"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." Matthew 3:8 (NIV)
Yesterday I posted the verse above and asked what you thought about it. I received several well thought out responses. I love it when people share their take on a particular scripture because I think you get a well rounded picture that way.
Now, I'll share what I think about when I read this verse.
Have you ever told your children not to do something only to have them do exactly what you told them not to do? When you confront them, they shrug and say, "Sorry, I forgot." They might even seem genuinely sorry, but before too long, they're doing the same thing again.
Or may you've told them to do a certain thing only to check later and find that they didn't do it. You might receive the very same response when you ask them about it..."Sorry, I forgot."
How many times does this happen before you begin to doubt their sincerity?
The verse above reminds me of this very situation. God doesn't want us to keep saying we're sorry, only to continue in our disobedience. If we are truly sorry - if we are truly repentant, our behavior will change. We will begin doing the things He asks us to do on a consistent basis and we will refrain from doing those things He tells us not to do - again, on a consistent basis.
That's what it means to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. We need to let our behavior reflect our belief. I've said it before and I'll say it again...God's word means nothing if we do not allow it to change our behavior.
What are some good ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives? How will you apply it?
--------------------------------------------------------
(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
Yesterday I posted the verse above and asked what you thought about it. I received several well thought out responses. I love it when people share their take on a particular scripture because I think you get a well rounded picture that way.
Now, I'll share what I think about when I read this verse.
Have you ever told your children not to do something only to have them do exactly what you told them not to do? When you confront them, they shrug and say, "Sorry, I forgot." They might even seem genuinely sorry, but before too long, they're doing the same thing again.
How many times does this happen before you begin to doubt their sincerity?
The verse above reminds me of this very situation. God doesn't want us to keep saying we're sorry, only to continue in our disobedience. If we are truly sorry - if we are truly repentant, our behavior will change. We will begin doing the things He asks us to do on a consistent basis and we will refrain from doing those things He tells us not to do - again, on a consistent basis.
That's what it means to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. We need to let our behavior reflect our belief. I've said it before and I'll say it again...God's word means nothing if we do not allow it to change our behavior.
What are some good ways we can apply this verse to our daily lives? How will you apply it?
--------------------------------------------------------
(Copyright© 2011 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)
1 comment:
I love your definition; especially where you say "God's word means nothing if we do not allow it to change our behavior." The rewards are invaluable for those who are obedient to trusting God’s laws; the joy of the Lord is in doing His will! :)
Thanks a bunch for this needed inspiration this morning!
Blessings and love,
Denise
Post a Comment