Really?!?

"But when (John) saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance."

(Matthew 3:7-8)

Do you remember when, as a child, you'd do something to hurt somebody (maybe even unintentionally), and when you went to apologize, someone (maybe a teacher or other adult) would remark, "Well, sorry's not good enough!" I wonder where that came from? We teach our children to apologize when they've done something wrong or hurt someone. And yet, sometimes it isn't enough to simply say, "I'm sorry."

Before Jesus started his adult ministry, his cousin (John the Baptist) began a campaign to call the people of Israel back to repentance, in preparation. And people were very receptive! They came out to see him, hear him, and be baptized by him in droves. Evidently they were, by and large, quite genuine. But when the religious leaders came out, John took unbridle. I guess he believed they were being insincere. That they didn't really want to change... but were just checking the situation out. So after chiding them publicly, John challenges them to "bear fruit worthy of repentance."

I think I can relate to this, at times. Over the course of my life, there have been various habits I've fallen into that I knew were not healthy for me or my spirit. I'm always quick to ask for forgiveness from God... and I believe God forgives anything, if we come with sincerity and humility. And I WAS sincere at the time. But sometimes, I'd continue to perpetuate those habits. At some point I need to hear John's challenge: "Bear fruit worthy of repentance." Meaning, yes, forgiveness is available... but don't use God's mercy as a free pass to keep doing unhealthy behaviors. There comes a time when you need to start living differently. Make different choices, Jim, so it looks like you actually value the forgiveness you've been granted by God.

Ah... I've so much to learn. Be patient, God.