Head Scratcher
I saw this picture this morning and I had to stop and consider it. But I found myself in conflict with it.
I can see where they’re going, but here’s why I struggle with it: How it is worded. True “repentance” is not a “just enough” move. When we repent and believe the truth of Jesus Christ, and are supernaturally changed in an instant by the Holy Spirit. That moment it is the single most important one of our lives. That is the day that we are “justified” through Christ, by our repentance; when we are born again, accept Jesus as our Savior, etc. And although “surrender” often comes later for a lot of Christians, the notion of it is difficult for us to grasp at first.
So, while I agree, I am conflicted. Here’s why…
I strive to be a good person, I really do. For a long time, I comforted myself thinking that I’m better than most people (without stopping to reflect on what that means). Then, I got to a place in my life where I realized (probably better described as accepted after kicking and screaming) that sin is sin. That one realization is both comforting and convicting.
It is comforting because misery loves company. In other words, I acknowledge that I’m a broken sinner and no matter how hard I try, that won’t change. Some people would ask why try then but I believe the trying has value.
It is convicting because all that time I was thinking that I’m not as bad as some others, I realized that I was trying to elevate myself by standing on their problems. The “other guy does it” is not an excuse for me to do it or for me to feel better about myself because my sins are different.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
Repenting for my sinful nature is something that I’m working on. I’m working on it because I’ve been sinning for so long, I’ve forgotten about it and don’t recognize it. This is where my challenge is now.
This brings me to the second half of the sign. Do I surrender enough to be changed? When I ask God for forgiveness for my sin, do I also ask for his intercession to stop doing it? This is much harder. The work goes on.
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 12:1-2, 9-21
