I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance
Luke 5:32
The idea of repentance gets aimlessly tossed around, and takes on a meaning that’s separate from what the word of God calls for. Taking time to really dig into what it means to find true repentance is something that causes many to struggle with finding a destination.
Everything must be in direct relationship with the Bible. The Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
We don’t have to wrestle with thoughts, ideas, or practices to find true repentance. Opening the good book has all we need on this journey of life.
If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated by old habits that are difficult to let go, you’re not alone. It really is a fight, but it’s a fight that’s worth showing up for each day.
As I share with you the road to finding true repentance feel free to comment and share across all social medias, inner circle, and especially your family and friends . These next few articles that address the road to repentance will be my pleasure to create.
What Repentance Actually Means
It’s easy to think of repentance as just saying “I’m sorry” for things you’ve done wrong, but there’s way more to it than that. Repentance isn’t only about feeling guilty or ashamed; that’s just the conviction of the lord, and if you’re feeling convicted that’s actually good news. Your spirit has a connection that can’t be denied and wants to do good.
To truly repent means it’s about having a real change of heart and direction. Turning from that thing that goes against the spirit of God, it’s deciding to walk away from stuff that wrecks my peace and pulls me away from God, even if it’s tough.
For me, recognizing the patterns that keep tripping me up, like badmouthing others online or giving too much attention to things I know aren’t good for my mind, was the first step. I no longer doom scroll social media looking for those I disagree with to give them a healthy dose of demeaning disrespect. Then try to reason my actions by stating “just because I disagree with you doesn’t mean Its disrespectful!” quite frankly that’s exactly what it was.
The Bible declares we are to be as gentle as a dove. Seeking topics I disagreed with just to degrade the person I disagree with is, and was not a trait of the Holy Spirit.
Repentance really started to click when I put effort into changing what I was doing, instead of just apologizing and repeating it the next day. This shift in approach made a difference in how I moved forward, helping me find a sense of freedom from past actions.
Choosing every day to be intentional about my interactions was vital to change. Before pressing post I would ask myself “how does this advance the kingdom of God?” If it doesn’t then don’t post, delete, and move on.
Turning from the actions that once caused separation from the walk a disciple is called to lifts a weight that you may not have recognize was there.
Some transgressions are easy to conquer with a little resistance. However, there are other things that will take work. They have been so deeply rooted that the job to remove it will take more effort.
Porn and women were one of my MAJOR issues. it was able to take root because it was a societal belief that it was “normal”
I found this to be so far from the truth. I once believed that women were the most beautiful creation made by the almighty. This statement may have some truth in it. They are most definitely one of his most beautiful creations in being able to carry life and bring forth a lineage.
Where the lie comes in and can be so hard to realize is painting them as sexual objects is not apart of Gods design.
I couldn’t just wake up one day and say “i don’t see them in that way no longer “ that would be a lie. To this day a women in her beauty still brings me to my knees. That is where the enemy tries to enter.
Today I can stand stronger in my faith to understand what the woman was made for. The respect needed for what God created overrides any hormone that tries to rise in me.
Fasting, and prayer is what put me in the position to resist the temptation. Being wise to refrain from being alone and watching my speech with a woman. Will I fall fighting this fight? To be honest If I lose a couple of rounds I wouldn’t be surprised but I will be surprised if I stay down In the fight.
Truly repenting means turning from old ways with your actions.
John 8 talks about the woman caught in an adulterous relationship. Being bought to jesus for condemnation which during those times one would be stoned. Jesus simply wrote in the sand “he who has not sinned cast the first stone”
This verse is infamous for non-believers to continue in sin without judgement. The wonderful portion that is constantly left out is where after all had dropped their stones and left.
(Why? Because we all sin)
He lovingly turns to the adulterous woman and says “has anyone condemned you?” She answers “no”, and the lord replies “neither do I!” From the place of his precious love he gives her the most important part of this passage that’s always left out. “Go and leave that life of sin”
My friends and family to truly repent means to not only confess your transgressions but turn from the actions causing you to sin and tear you away from kingdom living.
Until next time where I discuss “The daily battle: Fighting Old Habits” I pray peace over your life and strength over your walk!
Geoff
