Repent!

Every Christian alive has heard the words of Christ calling us to repent. But the question is, who follows through? Many feel sorry for the bad things they have done. Some do try to change. So we clothe ourselves with the shiny new name “Christian,” and never think more of the matter. Yet, the only thing we have done is sidestep the whole call.

To do any real repentance, one must have a change of attitude. There must be a shift in confidence. Whereas before, we were happy to be in charge of our lives, we give that right to another, to Jesus. To repent means that we realize we are not right as long as we look to ourselves. But the word is active. It goes on to do something about our condition. Repentance shifts our gaze from ourselves to the Son of God. And that is how it can save us.

Christ is a welcome shift of our attention. Finally, we have Someone from above our rat race to focus on. He comes with words of encouragement, love, and our Divine Father. He forgives the worst sides of us and offers to lead us in a better direction. If we are willing to turn our gaze away from ourselves, we can repent. It may be the end of the former us. But what becomes of us from then on is what counts.

Dear Lord, we would like to respond to the call. Turn our attention away from us once and for all. Give us something better to focus on—You! Then, take us on a journey of soul. Lead us from this lost land and up into Your limitless wonders, we pray. Amen