Monday, December 12, 2011

Put It In The Grave

I sat with individuals who discussed their past.  It was difficult to think of them doing the things they described because of who they are now. Their conversation reminded me, once again, that being sorry for what we have done is different than repentance.  Right. I said repentance, a little used word, which seems to have taken on a religious-rule-keeping definition, and makes many of us think of big-hair, stern looking, finger waving, preachers.  In reality, repentance is a gift, bringing freedom and peace.  When we repent we turn completely around from what we've done, opening ourselves up to transformation from the inside-out and liberation from whatever has had power over us.  The thing is . . . we may be sorry . . . but not transformed.
When we're sorry but not repentant, we struggle with the need to repent especially when being sorry shifts to shame, blame, anger, or bitterness.   When we repent, turning away from the stuff which has gripped our heart and pulled us away from God, we enter into the reality of grace, empowered to put the stuff into a grave, ready for the experience of supernatural transformation.  
Consider: 
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.  For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.  (Romans 8:12-13, NLT).  

When you get down to it, whatever takes our time and attention from God is sin.  To draw closer to God, we must turn away from sin. Most of us put cheating, lying, stealing, and harming someone on the list.  Yet, we may not think of something simple, such as shopping or eating or exercising or a sport or an attitude could separate us from God; however, whatever consumes our thoughts and time, needs to be examined.  The power to break away from the stuff is given to us when we invite the living and present Christ into our personal life.
It's hard to imagine, but God gives us the same power which raised Jesus from the grave, from death to life.  In other words, the power of Christ turns us away from the things that bring death, enabling us to leave all the stuff in a grave, making all things possible, including a transformed, new life.  

Open yourself up to a changed and new life.
Repent, turn away from the things that bring death in your life.
Leave the stuff in a grave through the power of Christ.
Celebrate the gift of the day---new life.

Learning to Kickstart the day repenting, putting whatever needs to go in a grave,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Carlisle Palmer © 2011 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)