An Important Component

Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]. Matthew 3:8 (Amplified Bible)


The Pharisees and Sadducees had come to John to be baptized. He knew that much of their attention was on outward appearance rather than inward transformation. It was all about the heart and if the heart was real the actions would follow. Change was the fruit, proof, and result of true repentance. John the Baptist spoke a lot about repentance. By it he meant having a change of thoughts, mind, and conduct as well as regretting ones sin. Without those, the apologies and asking for forgiveness become empty words. Our lack of change can often cheapen our words when it comes to seeking another’s forgiveness.

Some of us know all too well the trail of “I am sorry will you forgive me” that exists in our history. Some may want to respond, “Don’t tell me, SHOW me!” They desire more than verbal acknowledgment of what we have done. They want to see change for our sake as well as theirs.

God is challenging me with that thought today. Because words of sorrow over sin can flow so easily with a desire to have things back to “normal” He wants me to begin holding off on those words. Not because I am not sorry and not because others will not forgive, but because change is necessary. Not perfection but definitely progress. When the change is evident the words will be precious to both sides.

The time will come for a conversation of confession and the giving and receiving of forgiveness but God wants me to take some time to allow for change. Not behavior modification but real change. It is still about the heart because that is the driving force behind the actions. What are the changes? He has given me a rather short but specific list. Not because more changes are not necessary but because true change is His desired outcome. The empowerment to implement the changes will come from Him but the willingness and cooperation lies with me.

For once I am not squirming at the idea of obedience. I am poised with anticipation of what He will bring about through the obedience.

Father, help me to bring forth fruit that is consistent with my repentance. May my eventual words spring forth from a garden of change. Amen.

Change My Heart oh God
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUjUvoynGMM&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.