Lipstick on a bulldog

Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. – Matthew 4:17-25

"In a lot of organizations, change is like putting lipstick on a bulldog. There’s a tremendous amount of effort involved, and most times all you get is some cosmetics – and an angry bulldog." So writes Dave Murphy of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Real change, whether in a business, church, family, or in ourselves, can be difficult and elusive. While we long for a deep and lasting transformation, we often get only a temporary cover-up that solves nothing and satisfies no one.

The word repent is used in the Bible to describe the beginning of genuine spiritual change. Language scholar W. E. Vine says that to repent means "to change one’s mind or purpose." In the New Testament it always involves a change for the better as a person turns away from sin while turning toward God. Jesus began His public ministry with the call, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17).

When we feel sorry for doing wrong or for getting caught, it may be nothing more than a spiritual cosmetic. But true repentance occurs deep in our hearts and results in a visible difference in our actions

When we turn to Christ and yield ourselves to Him, He produces real change – not just a cover-up. – David Mccasland

Don’t hide your sin and cover up,

Pretending there is nothing wrong;

Instead, confess it and repent,

And God will fill your heart with song. – Sper

READ: Matthew 4:17-25

Repentance is not just words but actions.