“I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashesto show my repentance.” Jb. 42:6
Job is suffering, and in his compromised state, starts talking smack to God. God calls him on it. And Job quickly replies with, “I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance!”
Question: How do we know that Job is truly repentant, and not merely “sorry because he got caught”? Moreover, how can we discern if any person who says he’s sorry is truly repentant?
With an understanding that God is the only one who knows the true workings of our hearts, a few character traits that a truly repentant person will exude are:
- An honest and transparent air regarding personal shortcomings, exemplifying a forthright assessment of personal weaknesses over the long haul (not merely amidst the crisis at hand)
- A humble demeanor that embraces “it was what it was”, learns from the setback, and chooses to personally change (versus shifting blame, manipulating circumstances to cover faults, and/or weaving webs of lies and deceptions with an intent to keep this double-life going)
- A certain awareness of the actual state of affairs for all affected parties, coupled with a deep desire to be transformed (versus floating in an synthetic grace cloud), and a genuine willingness to be held accountable
Why this topic this week? Many of us have or will come into contact with people in our inner circle who simply put, pattern their lives as “one big con-game to be won”. As a believer, what are we to do with such a person? The first step is to discern the deception, sooner than later.
Matt. 10:16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
Living in His love, understanding and power this week, will you join us?
Shaun and Betsy
