What is Your Reason for Repenting?

by David Rollert

In a perfect world, everyone would always do the right thing simply because it is right. Sadly, that is not what generally happens. Many people will push the boundaries between right and wrong as often as possible. Some will even default to doing what is wrong as soon as they think they can get away with it, thinking, “If no one knows, and I am not hurting anyone, then what does it matter?” From a purely humanistic perspective, that logic makes some sort of sense. But, from a spiritual standpoint that logic completely misses the point. True repentance does what is right, not just when people are watching, but even when no one will ever know. So, what is your reason for repenting?

Do you repent only when you get caught? For many people getting caught in sin is the motivation that helps them move toward repentance. Matthew 18:15-20 instructs us on what to do when a fellow Christian is caught in sin. But, from a personal standpoint you should not wait to be caught before repenting. Waiting to get caught before repenting demonstrates an attitude of immaturity. Don’t place the responsibility for your spiritual maturity on others. You should strive to grow in maturity to the point that you repent of sin even when no one else know about your sin.

Do you repent to impress people? For many people, looking holy is a big motivator. However, this attitude is akin to pride and arrogance. Matthew 6:1 states, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” When your biggest motivation for repentance is people seeing you repent, then everything becomes about you. Again, this is a rather immature attitude! When someone else repents, you might want to one-up them by announcing something you have repented of. If people don’t give you the attention you are seeking, then your motivation for repentance goes away. You should strive to grow in maturity to the point that you repent of sin even when no one else know about it!

Do you repent because you love God and hate sin? If getting caught or impressing people are not good motivations for repentance, then what is? 1 John 4:7-20 discusses the relationship between love and obedience. We obey God because we love Him. We love Him because HE first loved us and sent Jesus to die for us. Repentance should come from your love of God and your desire to be with Him. Notice, this is not dependent on any other humans catching you or praising you. It is totally about your attitude toward God.

When motivation is based on external sources, then you will always have excuses not to act. But, when your motivation is internal - when you are driven by your love of God and your desire to be right with Him - then you have motivation even when no other person sees your struggle.