Pathways Press.com

Written by Trevor Hudson, a contemporary South African pastor, author, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his book “Seeking God.”

Repentance is not a once-and-for-all experience. “Once converted, fully converted” is a deceptive slogan. We constantly discover new layers of self-centeredness and selfishness from which we need to turn. Our attachments to the idols of wealth, status, popularity, pleasure, power, being right, and success are much stronger than we usually think. Our collusion in the oppressive structures of society that rob others of their dignity and worth is both subtle and real. Thankfully, God is gentle with us, and only gradually reveals the depth of our sinfulness. Hence, repentance is not only the doorway into the life God gives; it is also the pathway along which we need to wall throughout our lives…Our sinful behavior represents only the visible tip of the iceberg. Beneath our external actions of wrongdoing lie many hidden layers of disordered tendencies. These need to be brought into the light, confessed, and healed. This is a lifetime undertaking that we always need to keep up-to-date on.

Prayer:

Written by Sam Kim, a contemporary seminary professor.   

 Father, we humbly come before your throne and wait for your mercy on us and the world. May the Holy Spirit access our hearts and minds so that He may expose our hidden idols and wickedness before God. May the Holy Spirit make us repent and return to you and to the first love for you. Amen.