01/05/2023
It’s not simply our actions that we need to repent of, but more than that it is what we carry in our hearts that will prompt, or have prompted, us to sin outwardly. These thoughts and longings desperately beg for our penitence and prayerful attention. Holding worldly thoughts in our hearts such as malice, lasciviousness, hatred, jealousy, and the like, leads us to commit our outward sins; they are like the voice of Satan that whispers nonstop day and night to us until at last we act upon them. Our repentance should begin with these dark thoughts that we feel confident no one can see, and are well hidden from God Himself, these are the deeply rooted sins we should dwell on in our prayer closets. Our transformation through Christ must begin with repentance for our innermost thoughts in order that they not manifest themselves boldly, and become the tangible fruit of what we give safe harbor to within us.
“Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.”
Acts 8:22 ESV
Parents who have babies are well aware, of the fact that their precious little one might not look like it has pooped it’s diaper but the odor of what is hidden there certainly betrays that fact. As Christians it is much the same and the odor of a sinful heart eventually provides evidence of what lies inside us, and just as with babies, it will eventually reveal itself.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 ESV
We try to convince ourselves of our righteousness and piety, but the truth remains that we sin all through the day. Our thoughts which are known to God, and Jesus betray who we really are…
“But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts?”
Matthew 9:4 ESV
A man who feels that he is righteous might wonder why he should need to pray for forgiveness without ceasing, but a truly righteous man realizes that unless he prays all the day long in repentance for what is within him, he is lost.
“Who can say, “I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin”?”
Proverbs 20:9 ESV
So it is that sin doesn’t just lay on the surface of a man, but sinks into his every nook and cranny, and fills him like water fills a sponge. God sees our fallen nature, and so He sent Jesus to abide in us as He squeezes out the sin from within, and transforms us totally… body, mind, and soul.
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person.””
Matthew 15:18-20 ESV
So how do we overcome our heart’s sinful nature, and the dark thoughts that fill our minds? We do so through prayer, and filling our hearts and minds with God’s Word, and by thinking about his nature, and what we have learned of Jesus Christ.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:6-9 ESV
We spoke of our heart being like a sponge, well if we squeeze it tight to remove the tainted water from it, then submerge it in the blood of Jesus Christ and release our grip so that it will be filled with His purity… there will be little to no room for sin to occupy. Can we do this, and pray fervently for the transformation of our minds as we do so?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for seeing our hearts and all that we attempt to hide there. Help us Lord to become truly righteous, and not just men and women who clothe ourselves in righteousness while festering, and rotting away with sin inside. Fill us with your Word Lord, and squeeze out all that is sin within us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sees and knows our hearts. Praised be your name for each time you fill us further with yourself, and use the blood of Christ to cleanse us. Merciful are you Father for revealing to us the true nature of our hearts, and providing us with a cure for in Christ for it. Your grace is sufficient for us, and pours over us without ceasing, even as we pray without end in contrition and for your forgiveness of our sins. Wash us clean with the perfectly pure sponge of Jesus, and on the day of our judgement find us perfected in Him with every remainder of sinful thought and deed having been covered by His sacrifice. In this way deem us worthy of eternity at your table, and to be called your children. Praised be your name Holy Father, and all glory be to you forever.
Rich Forbes