Spiritual indicators reveal our relationship to, and with, God. Doesn”™t our relationship to God begin with honesty? Don”™t we need to be open to being honest with ourselves and then being honest before God? So many times we deceive ourselves”¦we give “˜reasons”™ we should do or not do something. At times we may even decide how another will react and that lets us off the hook.

Before we condemn another, God”™s word says:

(NASB) Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me and know my anxious thoughts;

24 And see if there be any hurtful way in me,

And lead me in the everlasting way.”

John the Baptist suddenly came into the lives of the people living in Israel. His message was “˜Repent”™! Repentance demands change.

(NASB) Matthew 3:1-2 “NOW IN those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,

2 “˜Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”™”

John is a historical character, a man who lived in a specific place and in a specific time period. It is interesting that he didn”™t go to Jerusalem, he didn”™t go to the temple there; he preached in the wilderness of Judea. His message, “˜Repent!”™ is not a popular message, even today. He didn”™t preach a “˜feel good”™ sermon. Repentance is repugnant! It is a “˜turn-off”™.

What if”¦you are a Christian? According to God”™s word we are to be sensitive to the need to search our minds and hearts and ask God to reveal our sin(s). When the Lord God pricks our consciences, shouldn”™t we quickly agree with Him and confess the sin(s) that come to mind? Not only confessing but then turning from what has just been confessed. It is not easy; in fact we may not even really want to give up what is displeasing to God in our lives.

Keeping our focus on God, and what is pleasing to Him”¦shouldn”™t that be our desire? If it isn”™t, then shouldn”™t we ask Him to change our desires to come into line with His word?

True repentance results in a

changed life, changed attitudes, changed thinking.