2 Timothy 2:19 “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

This one little line, so easily overlooked, is of vital importance. There are some today who are so focused on the grace of God that they deny the truth in this, and the effects are evident in churches and self-professed Christians today. The cross of Christ indeed covers all our sin, but receiving that redemption requires repentance, and repentance means change. Simply saying a few words with no change in lifestyle means a person has not been born again. This is in no way to claim instant perfection for anyone; Paul and John both make that very, very clear. However, someone who has accepted Christ’s salvation will desire to please Him. Jesus Himself was very blunt: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:5) There’s no way around that. Our love is imperfect, but someone who will not turn from sin loves their sin more than they love Jesus. Our imperfections should drive us to our knees, not have us cooking up excuses. Our mistakes can be as big as David’s – adultery and murder – and genuine repentance will bring forgiveness and cleansing. However, if we cling to even things we see as small, we are denying Christ. It is the prayer of the tax collector – “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner” – that brings right standing before God. (Luke 18:13)

This one hits me pretty hard, as it does every genuine Christian. We become numb to our habitual sins, and that is very dangerous. It’s not that God will reject us, but we have a remarkable capacity for deceiving ourselves. (James 1:23) This world is filled with evil, and some of it is in very attractive packaging. I’ve got to be intentional in turning from evil and to God at every opportunity, and those opportunities are continuous. The message I’ve been given for tomorrow is a real eye-opener, to help believers realize how they have let things slide. I need it as much as those to whom I’ll be preaching! The Lord is doing a good work here, and the devil is doing all he can to try to derail that. I must stand firm against him, on the basis of being fully submitted to God. (James 4:7)

Father, thank You for this clear reminder. Thank You for the message You’ve given me for tomorrow. May I deliver it clearly, accurately, and in love, receiving it into my own heart and life even as I speak it, so that we as individuals and as a body may be transformed into the likeness of Christ, to draw many into Your family for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!