Today's readings are Psalm 51:5-13, Malachi 1:1-14, and Matthew 3:1-17.
Adverbs are interesting little words, aren't they? I fear we use them in discussing the Christian faith more than is wise. But a discussion of today's readings invariably brings up "true" repentance or "real" and "deep" life change. Let's avoid the adverbs for a bit. What does repentance look like? It results in commitment to God rather than to ourselves. It leads us to desire God's priorities. It changes our behavior because it changes our motives.
Will repentance always result in the life change we desire? Not necessarily. Sometimes our sins come back to haunt us again and again, though we are sorrowful and repent of them. We mustn't discount the truth of someone's repentance. But we call ourselves and others to repentance over and over, as often as we are aware of sin. One day, by God's grace, we will be cleansed - thoroughly and permanently - two great adverbs to anticipate.
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