What a thing we ask for when we ask God to search us and to know us!
What am I asking for when I ask God to see if there is "any wicked way in me!" Duh. Of course there is. It seems that the fact that I am able to be at all good, to do anything that is good, is itself nothing short of miraculous. Still, I can’t avoid what is wrong: I want to be a good steward of the planet, but all the groceries that I buy come wrapped in some kind of packaging, made of plastic, used once, "disposable" - but not biodegradable. I want the best things in life for my children: that includes their computers (and mine). I read about Africa and realize that I might give my children what they need; but how can I help give others what their children need?
Repentance, however, is not about feeling bad and helpless. Repentance is about turning around: repentance is about thinking different and doing different. Repentance is about discovering a totally new orientation in following the summons of Jesus.
And here is the good news: Jesus summons us before we have passed "the test of holiness." Rather, he invites us to walk in "the way everlasting"; and when I follow him, then I discover that I have also oriented my entire life also toward the planet, and I seek to be the best steward of it possible; I seek the best for all children, and think with my own children about ways to meet the needs of other children.
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