Repentence

Some of us are “accidental Pharisees”; most of us are “intentional Pharisees”. I know I am very much an intentional Pharisee. I have my definition of a good Christian, which has been refined almost 8 decades and I am, often, extremely confident in my achievements. Using my definition makes sure that I wind up on the positive side of the ledger. Yes, I have a ledger. When I was a Junior in HS, I had a life-changing teacher who, in the course of my year with him, first invited us to write our obituary and then our epitaph, what few words we’d have written on our tombstone. My obituary was way off but my predicted epitaph read, “He was a great friend”. My grandpa had shared this kernel of wisdom with me at 15, “Always treat everyone like you want be treated FIRST and you will never be disappointed”. Don’t wait to see how people will treat you, treat them rightly upfront. I’ve tried to live by his mantra and it’s worked well. I’ve been kicked in the teeth occasionally but, overall, it’s been a real blessing. I’ve taken great pleasure when I’ve heard people say, “What a great friend you are or have been”. The issue is that’s what has made me a Pharisee. My comfort with that minimal accomplishment. I have failed in so many areas. I have chosen my job over my wife on multiple occasions. I have chosen to have and not have relationships that I knew either were not in my Lord’s plan for my life or were. I have chosen my volunteerism over what else I know I’m called to do. I have chosen that which is for recognition and for accolades over that which is truly His will for me. My confidence has been in my abilities and knowledge and prior successes and not in the One to Whom I have given my life or to Whom I say that I have given it over. I have not truly been repentant for most of it. I choose to be willfully ignorant of the depth and breadth of my sinfulness. I haven’t been willing to truly be reconciled with those, against whom I have sinned, my co-workers, my sons, my friends, and, most of all, my wife. I have failed to make restitution for the harm I have done, like damaging the reputation of individuals with whom I have disagreed. It's time for me and for you to confront our sinfulness and to repent with all of our being. It is time for us to be reconciled with those who have been impacted by our sins and it’s time to make restitution where and when necessary. It’s time to turn from all that is an occasion of sin and open ourselves up to the depth of His grace. Isaiah 55:6-7 “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” We need to turn from sin and remove ourselves from those places, people and opportunities that lead us to sinful behavior. We need to have someone or several someones who know us well because we’ve opened ourselves to be known and who can and will confront us when we need convicting. First repent; then choose to take up your cross and follow Him. Blessings on y’all.