Again and again in scripture we are commanded to repent. Repentance has always been to turn away from those things which lead to death and destruction and to follow the way that leads to eternal life. Matthew 6:33 speaks of seeking or putting first the kingdom of God and it's righteousness at the forefront of our minds and therefore our ways. In doing so we become aware of those areas of our lives which are contrary to God's kingdom and His ways.
Repentance can be viewed in two different ways, imagine you are on a boat in the middle of the ocean with a number of other people. Suddenly you become aware the boat has sprung a leak and you have only two options. One, to jump ship and swim for shore and though there is a possibility you may through a miracle come across a log or plank that can assist you to reach land, the likeliness is that you will succumb to the depths of the ocean whilst waiting for your miracle.
The second option is that you with the rest of your passengers begin to scoop out the water from the boat using your hands or any other means you have. Though there is no guarantee of salvation by scooping our the water, together as you jointly become aware of your predicament and circumstance may some how be able to keep the boat from sinking until you reach shore or other means are at your disposal.
We often view repentance as a one time solution for the whole of our Christian lives. Yet Jesus made it clear in the gospels that our walk with him is a daily one. That each day we must "deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him". This is also true of repentance as our heavenly Father reveals our humanity and the things in our lives which cause us to miss the mark or the heavenly target that he has for those He loves.
Let us daily allow God's Holy Spirit to examine our hearts and ways, let us embrace the opportunity to change and grow our lives in the ways in which He intended for us.
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