THE FORESEE / The “R” Word by Ron HAMILTON, Conference Minister

Early in his ministry, Jesus declared these words,“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)We agree that repentance from sin opens the door to forgiveness and a saving relationship with God. It is important to call people to repentance in our preaching and teaching. However, repentance does not end there. Repentance is an important part of a way of life in living in obedience to Jesus and discovering his will for our lives. James says,Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7–10)A humble spirit and a repentant heart draw us to God and Him closer to us. These attitudes and actions also open the way for the Lord to expand our ability to be used by Him as he lifts us to new opportunities for ministry in His name. Repentance should not be left at the altar of salvation. It is an attitude and action that helps us grow in our relationship with God and strengthens our relationships with others.The Lord’s Prayer includes these words,Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. (Luke 11:4)It is clear that repentance and forgiveness are a part of the regular cycle of life for followers of Jesus. We humbly see how we have failed God and others. We repent and seek forgiveness. We are then freed from these burdens and grow in our ability to know God and serve Him.I have been encouraged by a growing spirit of humility and repentance among the leadership of our Conference. I have witnessed people repenting to God about things in their lives and ministries and openly seeking His forgiveness. I’ve seen people go to others and confess ways that they wronged them and ask for forgiveness. I have heard people acknowledge shortcomings in their work and ministry and asked the Lord to help them as they move forward. All of this has encouraged me to be humble and repentant. And this has paved the way for a new work of God in our fellowship.The call to repentance should not be left to the evangelists. This is a call to all God’s people to humbly seek the Lord in a new and fresh way. We will be stronger and more useful for God’s work as He honors this spirit and these actions.