John 21 | What am I going to do about it?

It can sometimes be a really interesting experience as I look at the various things I do and how they all work together. The sermons and teachings I am prepping, along with the conversations I am having, and the devotions I am partaking in, all share similar themes. One of the major themes that has been consistent is true repentance. I have been reading through many sermons from Charles H. Spurgeon lately and that stands to be a major focus of his. I deeply align with the importance of true repentance, yet I also am eager to see what results from it.

Peter put his garment on and leapt out of the boat, leaving his old life behind. The prodigal son abandoned his pigsty to return to his father. The rich young ruler walked away sad, for the weight of his possessions outweighed his desire for the Lord. As I look around, I can see many that want to be fishers of fish while being called fishers of men. I see those that wish they could have the father and the pigsty. Most desire their wealth and the Lord. I fear that many would find themselves walking away saddened by what they could not give up.

"He is no fool who loses what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
-Jim Elliot

I think of this quote often. It has helped forward me many times to be rid of things that usher in temptation or are outright sinful. While there is not a whole lot that would seem obviously sinful to any onlooker in my life, I do still have the responsibility to ask myself, "Did I abandon the pigsty?" Repentance is not simply feeling bad about what was done. There is a deliberate turning away. Does my mind return to the same old practices and delight in the same old things? Have I simply polished the pigsty and made it a slightly more acceptable version of a pigsty? Or is it actually abandoned? If you believe you have repented but have not seen the mercy of the Lord's restoration, it would well be worth the time to consider if you have truly abandoned your sin. This effort of prayer and meditation are efforts I gladly take up. If I must forsake all for the sake of Christ, then all shall be called into question.

What application are you implementing?