This article explores the things which hinder citizens from producing kingdom culture.
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This article explores the things which hinder citizens from producing kingdom culture.
Have you ever wondered why some people just don’t change, even after much conflict, counsel or clear rebuke? Their issues, attitudes and failings are glaringly obvious to everyone, but they simply refuse to change. Below are 3 reasons we don't see the fruits of repentance.
1. Pride
'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble' - James 4:6
Pride is the first and most deadly sin. It is a self-centered worldview from an overblown sense of self-importance. It’s always a challenge to talk to a prideful person, partly because they tend to only listen to their own voice and partly because those who attempt to address them should expect a backlash of some kind. The thing is God literally resists people with this trait because they stink in His presence.
2. Hardness
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. - Matt 18:3
Do you know that Uncle or grandma that will never change? That is an example of a hardened person. Hardness of heart is another trait inherited from the Adamic nature, and it happens naturally with age. This is why the Lord says we must be like children to inherit His kingdom because children are receptive, moldable and open to change. Bitterness and unforgiveness are strong signs of a hardening of the heart.
3. Religiosity
‘...I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' - Luke 18:12
This is the pharisaic disposition and manifests in different ways. It’s a type of pride that makes a person feel they are in good standing with God because they attend church, read the bible, do some good deeds or have a specific theological understanding. All these religious credentials serve to block the person from listening and changing to actually embodying a Christ-like personality.
Revelation is the solution
Imagine a prideful, hardened and religious person, stuck in their ways. How on earth can you bring such person into repentance? Well, the answer is...you can’t. They are almost in a helpless state. I say “almost” because that helpless state can be shattered by revelation.
Revelation is the lifeline for the unrepentant. Consider Paul, he was struck by the light of Christ which completely changed his disposition. Recognising that the giver of revelation is God, we are left to play a secondary role. That secondary role involves prayer, intersection, discipline, rebuke etc. But if that soul altering light of Christ does not shine forth allowing a man to see his true state, that man is indeed lost and trapped in a loop of self-deception.
