Admitting and Repenting

Here's a story that makes alot of sense...

A pastor I know had a secret, sinful lifestyle. But it finally caught up with him. People in the church began to talk, and he had to do something to address the situation. So one Sunday he stood before his congregation and tearfully acknowledged his sin and asked for their forgiveness.

They forgave him, and incredibly they even kept him as their pastor. But privately he never let go of the sin!

Admitting that you did something wrong is not the same as repenting over the wrong you did. Words of remorse, tears, admitting you're sorry, and acknowledging "Yes, I did it" are not the same real biblical repentance, We should feel sorry about our sins, We should be remorseful. But we must also have the deep desire not to do it again.

Repentance means a life-change. Sorrow and remorse are a part of that, but the ultimate fruit of repentance is not saying, "You know I cried over that, you know I said I was wrong and yes, I acknowledge I did that."

The real fruit of repentance is a life that turns away from the sin you've acknowledged. It's not constantly just going back and forth and giving my emotions a workout. Sure, you're sorry, but have you changed?

If there is true repentance, time will tell. It;s all about a life-change.