As I read the passage below, I was reminded of two Christian songs with a similar theme. In Reach sings about the Manner of Man in their 1993 song. Meanwhile, a few years later 4Him released the Measure of a Man. According to John, repentance refers to changing the inner man so that Christians can meet God’s will for their lives. Change begins internally and can lead to an external transformation as acts of contrition are lived out by faith.
Remember then from what heights you have fallen. Repent (change the inner man to meet God’s will) and do the works you did previously [when first you knew the Lord], or else I will visit you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you change your mind and repent, Revelation 2:5.
When you move to a new town, it’s easy to miss a turn even when you’re following directions on a phone. This lack of knowledge often leads to u-turns when the road allows it. From a spiritual perspective, rarely do I follow the tugging on my heart to act, give or help someone in need. Until you’re willing to change the inner man deep inside of you, being introduced to and meeting God’s will is put on hold.
I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you], Romans 12:1-2.
The apostle Paul goes into further details about discovering God’s will for your life in the passage above. Most churches use a spiritual gifts test to help their members begin this process. Meeting God’s will begins with a transformed mind which is renewed through scripture. Anyone who repents by confessing your sins, follows this with acts of contrition and begins to align their lives with God’s will is on their way to changing your inner person to meet God’s will.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 