Real, Swift Repentance March 14, 2007
Posted by Joe in : General Lessons , trackbackErin,
That was good stuff on repentance my dear. As you alluded to (and as we spoke of), that is definitely a big way we can set a good example for our children. As I read your post I thought of two things that I want to reiterate here.
First, our repentance must be real.
This should go without saying, but you know as well as I that it is possible to repent without really repenting! Often I will sin and know I need to be repenting, but I have no remorse for sin. Deep down I might be blaming you (or someone else) for my own transgression. I might ultimately be angry at the Lord for His providence. I’m not trusting Him, not resting in Him, not seeking Him. Yet I know I should be repenting, so I go through the outward motions. I try to strike up the will-power to do what I know I should.
And what is the result? A faulty, false repentance as we both know. And of course, everyone can see through it, especially our kids. Then they will model it. Thus, the lesson for us is twofold in this regard.
1) We must be real in our repentance ourselves. This means we cannot simply repent b/c we know we should, but we should take the time to seek the Lord for a humble and contrite heart. Maybe we should be more diligent in going to our knees right away in prayer or going before the Word, utilizing the means the Lord has given to break up the fallow ground of our heart. We can’t just ‘decide’ to repent. We need the work of the Holy Spirit to convict and grant repentance, even during our Christian life.
2) We must lead our children in real repentance. This is a very difficult one as I see it. This takes some serious effort. For we know that Abigail (and other kids, and even ourselves I suppose!) just wants to go through the prayer routine and get on with her playtime. She doesn’t want to seek conviction. But O how arrogant she can become (and is!) apart from this work! We must be diligent to lead her to true repentance during the times of discipline. If we sense a clear arrogant spirit, we must prolong the time of discipline for the sake of her own soul.
In this regard, I think we really need to grow in using the Scriptures. I have to lead in this, b/c I have not done a very good job. But I noticed the other day what power the Scriptures have to bring conviction. That being said, let’s make it a ‘next action’ to meet together and write down some Scriptures that could be used in our discipline times with Abby. I think it will most definitely pay off for her soul and the peace of our home!
Second, repentance should be as quick as possible.
Now, because I said so much on the first point, this one will be quick, but it has to be mentioned. At first glance, it might not seem to fit with my first point, but I do not believe there is any contradiction. Repentance must be real, but it should be as quick as possible. We want to keep our accounts short. This is why we must be swift to discipline Abby if she doesn’t not obey ‘without challenge, without excuse, and without delay.’ It is also why we must be quick to seek a contrite and lowly spirit when we walk in disobedience.
Alright love, that is enough for now. This was good to think about for my own soul. I pray it benefits us in the weeks and months (and years Lord willing!) ahead.
Seeking to be real and swift in my repentance,
Joe
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