One day, I read one of my friend’s status from Facebook:
“I never understand why I have to serve and obey God at the same time. I am not very perfect and I am too tired of waiting for God’s Will. So what? I am still sinner because I have some hidden sins in my heart, I cannot even handle this right now.”
I am not sure what the person means in the Facebook post status. Maybe, the person feels frustrated when not receiving any answers from God. Maybe, the person does not repent yet. The person may not ask for forgiveness yet. I think that God wants the person to do something to please Him. Honestly, I notice that some Facebook post status from my friends are negative, even though they are Christians. Admittedly, I am a little bit embarrassed and disappointed in them because they are my friends and they are like my brothers and sisters. They are God’s children. I am God’s child, too.
I am supposed to say that three things God wants you: Obedience, Repentance, and Forgiveness. Do you know why God wants you to do the three things? Well, I think that He expects you to listen to His advice, change your mind, act better, and follow Him in every step.
1. Obedience. Some Christians have obedience problems in result of failing in their faithfulness in God. Some Christians feel failures due to their sinful weakness in their hearts yet they do not confess. That’s probably reason why God wants you to obey Him. Otherwise, you may not get any blessings from God. People who obey the Bible will be blessed.
“Jesus replied, ‘But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.'” – Luke 11:28 (NLT).
2. Repentance. Many Christians misunderstand and think that repentance is defined as “stay away from sins” or “turn away from sins.” That is not what repentance means. The fact is that repentance explains, that the person changes the mind which leads to change the action. That is simple definition of the word, repentance. God wants you to change your mind that leads to change your action including attitudes. God’s Will awaits you.
“Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
And the crowds asked him, ‘What then shall we do?’ And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’ Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Collect no more than you are authorized to do.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.'” – Luke 3:8-14 (ESV).
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3. Forgiveness. Some Christians often say, “I’m sorry.” In my opinion, I think that “I’m sorry” or “I owe you an apology” never be good enough. These sentences are just weak. Do you think that, too? I feel that Christians should say, “I forgive you” or “forgive me.” It can affect people realizing how forgiving you are to them. God can and will be pleased to see you are forgiven person. He can and will forgive you for many sins you commit.
“If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” – 1 John 1:8-9 (NLT).
Just came across your blog on the MommyBlog link party. I really enjoy your writing. I completely agree with this list. I would add that when we are forgiven, we should also turn from that behavior. Of course we need the Holy Spirit to help us in that, but the Bible says to turn from our sin. Great reading, thanks!