GIF Repentance

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
(James 4:7-8)

Repentance
by Chuck Bentley

In 1999, I experienced a genuine repentance from my double-minded ways. While reading God’s Word, I suddenly saw myself as looking in a mirror. The reflection back was that of an Idolater. I worshipped God with my mouth but served money with all of my energy. My dreams, goals, and ambitions all involved the pursuit and capture of more money. In reality, money was my invisible master.

I remember a deep sense of sorrow that swept over my soul. How could I have been so easily deceived? How could I have treated the Lord with such shallow lip service? How could I have allowed money to take the throne of my heart? All of these questions rushed into my mind as I contemplated the reality of my sin.

Coveting, greed, and idolatry are often thought of as “invisible sins” in that we try very hard to hide them. Catholic priests have told me that these are the least confessed sins they hear in their confessional booth. I understand why. Most often, we think they really don’t matter. We rationalize that if we say we love God that should be enough, even though our actions defy the words.

1999 was a turning point in my life that led me to become a single-minded man, loving and serving only One Master. I turned from my idol, submitted myself to God Almighty, and He came near to me.

Daily Scripture Reading:
Romans 16
Acts 20:2 – 21:16