When the term "repentance" comes up, we of course have different ideas of what "we need to repent from!" The reality is, repentance involves more than just the cessation from something, it also involves moving toward YHWH. I've known a number of people who stop doing something, but don't move on toward seeking our Heavenly Father. I, personally, know of situations in which someone has given up pork and Christmas trees, but not obeyed the command or accepted the invitation to celebrate and observe Sabbath and Feast days . . . Actually that sort of describes Islam and many other belief systems. Following Y'hshuwah is so much more than not participating in what YHWH calls sin. It's a genuine relationship with the first of creation and the Creator of the universe!
The call to repentance isn't really about giving up a single act or interest, it's about giving up one's own standard of right and wrong. To repent is to stop following our own heart and follow Messiah to the Father. In following Messiah, we must come to that same place he did in the Garden of "Gethsemane, "Not my will, but Thine be done." It has to be more than lip service! Lip service without a change of heart is hypocrisy. Our nation has some huge hot button topics to point out and shout "Repent," but Torah specifically spells out what offends our Creator and there are many more listed than just the hot button topics. In all those "thou shalt nots" however; there are amazing and abundant promises for those who will be obedient to His Word. The Word of G-d is Torah and Messiah is Torah in the flesh. There is no separation of the Two.
I do not consider myself to be an expert on righteous judgment, but entertainment does seem to have become more idolatrous than simply unwinding from a hard day's work. Although I did spend a few years walking on the wilder side, and I don't really consider myself puritanical now, the shameless and open sexuality of our society, is far beyond reason. I was raised in complete isolated ignorance regarding sexuality, so I was naturally curious, but that's no excuse! Torah is not silent on the subjects of idolatry or sexuality, so there is no reason to raise children in ignorance, but our society in the name of "openness and honesty" has completely removed any sense of decency or decorum. In the boomer's attempt to be open and honest with our children, some of us raised children that simply have no conscience or shame. I believe the politically correct term for that is "unfiltered honesty," which is nothing more than an irresponsible disregard of morals and the feelings of others. That is obvious by last month's parades, on a worldwide scale. Without Torah standard, sexuality has gone from hushed ignorance to main street parades.
To quote the prophet Isaiah, "Come now, and let us reason together, says YHWH . . ." As a nation we've gone beyond reason. There will be no national repentance, and if there is some sort of national revival as prophesied by some, it will be false. Then said the prophet Jeremiah unto Hananiah the prophet, Hear now, Hananiah; YHWH hath not sent thee; but thou makest this people to trust in a lie. Jeremiah 28:15. Repentance has to take place on an individual basis. Although sin is defined in general for all of humanity, our Creator has a unique and specific plan for each of us. We are all called to turn from sin, but serving YHWH is manifest in many ways. There are many parts and functions of the body of Messiah.
I discovered in my repentance, not only did I turn from sin; but in seeking YHWH, there is just no longer time or interest for things of the world. All else pales. I'm not perfect, still working on self-control, usually where the tongue is involved, but even in that, I've discovered, glorifying Abba is so much more important than sharing a regrettable comment. I am called to speak Torah truth and the Good News, and I don't shy away from that, but there are other things that simply do not need to be said, even if they are true . . . so I have hidden this word in my heart that I might not sin against Abba. Set a watch, O YHWH, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
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