True remorse leads to repentance

“True remorse is never just a regret over consequence; it is a regret over motive.” ~Mignon McLaughlin

Someone sent me the above quote and I thought to myself, how true!

Ever know the person involved in adultery that suddenly becomes remorseful when they get caught? Or the inmate who is suddenly remorseful when they find themselves facing a long jail term? Ever notice both of these types of people often suddenly become very "religious" more often than not also? The kid that is stealing candy from the kitchen counter and Mom or Dad walks in and gives them a spanking? These people are not sorry for what they have done, they are only sorry that they now face consequences for their actions. They are sorry they were caught but not for what they have done.

Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to the church at Corinth to strongly rebuke them for many problems that were in the church. In that church you had it all…adultery, drunkenness, believers suing one another in court, abusing Spiritual gifts, you name it they were doing it.

Paul was not trying to judge them or beat them up in writing 1 Corinthians. He was confronting them hoping that it would result in Godly sorrow that would lead to repentance.

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

If we are truthful…conviction from the Holy Spirit when we step out of line produces repentance, or at least it should. It results in a change in actions and confessing our sins first to God then to those we have wronged if we truly have any fear of the Lord in us at all.

I continue to be amazed by this “brave new world” of political correctness around us these days. Heaven forbid if one should call a spade a spade in this day and age. You will quickly be labeled judgmental and divisive.

Sadly however the “never ‘offend’ anyone” politically correct attitude has found its way into the church. Rick Warren and other apostates of his ilk today preach a “feel good” message because they don’t want to make anyone feel bad about being a sinner. I continue to ask the question however that if you are not telling someone they are a sinner in need of a savior how exactly are you sharing the Gospel with them? You may be tickling their ears or entertaining them but this is not leading them to Christ. All you are doing is creating “religious” folks that like to “do church.”

Granted, we don’t want folks to feel bad if we can avoid it but sometimes some need to face the truth that they are indeed living in sin and it will land them in hell if they don’t change their ways. If a person really honestly cares about someone they would risk “offending” that person to keep them out of the fires of hell. Sometimes with a lost person or a brother in Christ that has fallen into sin we have to care enough to speak up and share the truth from God’s word without apology. It is hard to even risk a relationship with someone but sometimes that is what needs to be done.

Some would say they love the Lord and have respect for His word. However, if they don’t speak up for the truth at times are they not paying lip service to the Lord?

Many don’t like to feel uncomfortable when hearing the word of God, so sadly the Laodicea minded church of today decides to water down the message? Yeah, that took true brilliance to come up with that plan which conveniently has made a few very wealthy with lots of acclamation or fame thrown their way. I hope they enjoy it while they can because mocking and misrepresenting God is sure to have very dire consequences.

Have you ever wondered sometimes what the “seeker sensitive” pastors of today would write to the church at Corinth?

My guess is they would write a feel good message telling them why they need to give to the church’s latest fund drive and there would be no mention of living in an ungodly manner or repentance…how sad!

Honestly, when is the last time you have heard a sermon at one of today’s mega churches about repentance from sins? Heaven forbid if you told someone they needed to change their ways, confess and make things right where possible.

What ‘seeker sensitive’ crowds miss is that feeling uncomfortable means change is needed and some people like their lifestyle and don’t want to give it up. People don’t want to change because they like living in sin so instead they become “offended” when the word of God is preached. Why would I as a man want to use my finite little mind to think I am smarter than God who put the “offensive” portions of Scripture in there?

If someone is uncomfortable when hearing God’s word, why do some such as Rick Warren or other “seeker sensitive” types take it upon themselves to try and help someone avoid this uncomfortable feeling? I mean Heaven forbid if someone were forced to take an honest look at themselves and it resulted in Godly sorrow that led to repentance?

Are the ‘seeker sensitive’ pastors more interested in making the lost feel good now than they are the eternity a lost person might spend in hell?