Tag Archives: Repent and Change

The Action of Repenting

Living in the Spirit
October 11, 2017

Scripture Reading: Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23

Both we and our ancestors have sinned;
   we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly.
They made a calf at Horeb
   and worshiped a cast image.
They exchanged the glory of God
   for the image of an ox that eats grass.
They forgot God, their Savior,
   who had done great things in Egypt,
wondrous works in the land of Ham,
   and awesome deeds by the Red Sea.
Therefore he said he would destroy them—
   had not Moses, his chosen one,stood in the breach before him,
   to turn away his wrath from destroying them.                                             –Psalm 106:6, 19-23

Saying we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 2:23) and not doing anything about it is rather like saying “I eat too much” or  “I do not exercise enough.” Confession without action to change is fruitless whether trying to become healthier or trying to create a better world in which to live.

We invest a lot of energy being concerned about the chaos in our world today from tragic shootings to devastating storms to public policy. We worry a lot, and we may even pray a lot, but what are we doing to make a positive change? Do we keep our various elected representatives apprised of our stance on issues? Do we educate ourselves on the problems exploring a variety of resources? I watched a short video this morning outlining the problems homeless people without proper ID encounter. I had no idea. Walking a mile in someone else shoes might be illuminating.

We serve a risen Savior who calls us to do justice and promises to go with us and guide us every step of the way. We do not have to do everything; we do have to do something. There is a niche or two for each of us, and if we all fulfill our calling, we can create a world ruled by love.

Prayer: God of Justice, turn our lip service into justice realized. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.