Do What You Have To Do

Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.   Matthew 3:8, NIV

Fruit is always visible, and repentance will show up as a visible change in what you say and do. As the crowd listened to John’s message, they were moved by what they heard and wanted to know what they should do (see Luke 3:10).

They probably thought John would tell them things they could do when they got home. But John called them to immediate action. Here was a crowd of people out in a desert—some would be cold and hungry—and John said, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry” (Luke 3:11). Repentance is not an intention to lead a new life in the future; it begins now, as you step out in obedience in your immediate situation.

Repentance is also specific. Tax collectors asked John what they should do, and he said, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires” (Luke 3:13). Soldiers asked what they should do, and he said, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations” (3:14). Do what you have to do to bring your life into line with the commandments of God. That’s repentance.

The Pharisees came to see what was happening, but they didn’t feel the need to be forgiven. They never discovered repentance, so they went home unchanged. This must have caused John great sadness. He warned them about their smugness: “Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham’” (Matthew 3:9). Relying on heritage while refusing to repent is a sure formula for spiritual disaster.

Many Christians see repentance as an initial act that is completed at the beginning of the Christian life—a gateway we pass through. God’s call to repent is immediate and specific, but it’s also ongoing. God is gracious; he shows us our sins slowly. If he showed them to us all at once, we would be devastated.

As we come to know God more, we will discover more about ourselves, and our repentance will become deeper, touching areas that were hidden from us before. As God shows you sin in your life, remember that he is calling you to walk with him, and that always involves a life of repentance and faith.

For further reading, see Luke 3