The Process of Change – 4: Correction

            If the second step of biblical change outlined in 2 Timothy 3:16 is seeing what I am doing wrong (in thought, speech, and action), then the next step must be to see what I need to do in order to live correctly. What is “right?” The answer to that question should not be too difficult, since the Scripture that convicted me also spells out how to act in a way pleasing to God. In fact, the correction may be little more than making the negative statement, “Stop doing this” into “Start doing the opposite.” To use Paul’s language (Eph.4:22-24) the second step shows me what I need to “put off” (like dirty clothes) and the third step shows me what to “put on” (clean clothes).

What I do that displeases God needs to be repented of. Often people misunderstand the word “repent” to mean, “be sorry for.” However, that is only one element of true repentance. Sin has been defined as “any want (lack) of conformity unto or transgression of the Law of God” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question 14). Sin is not only a failure to obey God (want of conformity), but it is also active rebellion  (transgression) against God. Repenting is therefore not only desisting from the active rebellion, it also involves active conformity (obedience) to God’s revealed will. Stopping a sinful action is only the beginning. True repentance moves us on to loving obedience to our Heavenly Father.

So, the liar, for example, has not repented when he stops telling lies. Repentance takes him on to speaking the truth. Correction is the goal of repentance. Doing right is what the child of God aims at. However, much of our problem stems from the fact that it is easy to be complacent in the Christian life. If we are not conscious of flagrant sin in our life, then it easy to go through our busy days on “auto-pilot,” much as a jetliner does on long flights. The captain sets certain instruments to automatically guide the plane along its route, and than he relaxes and more or less keeps his eye on things. If only living a fruitful Christian life were as easy as flying a plane! I am afraid we have very low expectations when it comes to bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

We all have many relationships to look after, many responsibilities to take care of, and many shortcomings and failures that need attention. God has something to say about all those things, and more besides. If we were to take inventory of the various connections we have with people and simply aim at loving each one as we love ourselves, it would take more study than earning a PhD! Add to that all the complications created by our own sin and theirs, as well as the lost world that needs to hear and see the gospel, and a lifetime is not long enough to take care of it all. Correction will keep us busy for the rest of our lives. How can people ever think they do not need more biblical input, that they have somehow "matured" or "arrived?"