Repentance

…Jesus began to preach, ”Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”  Matthew 4:17 NIV

In Matthew’s gospel, the first word of Jesus’ public ministry is “repent”. A recognition of our sinfulness and a desire to change are prerequisites for the Christian life. For many non-believers the idea that they are not “good” people is something they cannot fathom. They think of kinds words spoken and benevolent acts  performed.  They talk of their love for family and friends. Perhaps they even remember contributions to charities. What they refuse to face is their rebellion against God or that this rebellion has relevance. In their minds, they are captains of their own fate and that’s all that matters. How deluded they are. After they die, they will have the judgement of God whether they want it or not.

I need to be careful that I don’t present the Gospel as feel good pop psychology. Christianity is not about what you get out of it.  It is a radical realignment with God.  Repentance is often seen as archaic by the world, but it is essential to a new life of faith. I am sometimes tempted to make Jesus’ teachings more appealing, but changing his message is lying .  I have to accept that, sadly, most people do not want to follow God.  The road to destruction is indeed wide.