Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. – Matthew 4:17
When learning a skill, one particular thing differentiates between success and failure—the ability to take constructive criticism. If learners want to hear only praise and cannot receive advice, they will not learn. Likewise, people might have a negative reaction to the word “repent” which hinders their growth in the Lord. They may become offended if their weaknesses are pointed out, ignoring advice that could make their lives better. Or they can be overcome with guilt and shame and want to give up. However, if God’s people turn from their own ways to His ways in all of the things they do, they enjoy the great advantages of the Christian life.
Immediately preceding the verse about repentance, the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness where He was tempted by the devil. Satan challenged Him to use His power for His own good. Jesus did not give in to temptation. He knew how important it was to live by the Father’s Word. When He later told people to repent, He never had the experience of needing to repent, but He knew exactly what it was like to please the Father.
Repentance is a good thing. It is a quality to be kept as an attitude; continually seeking and following God’s ways and turning from anything that displeases Him. Just as a person becomes successful at a skill by following mentors, you can be successful in the Kingdom of Heaven by continually turning from the world’s ways and following Jesus.
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