image: microsoftoffice.com
Someone said, “Some of the worst mistakes of my life have been haircuts.” I concur.
My theory is that if you look better after a haircut than you did before, you were really ugly to start with. For me, haircuts rank right up there with visits to the dentist. I put them off as long as possible, which makes things a bit shaggy after about six weeks.
The other day I knew I had to do something. The dogcatcher was looking at me strangely, as if I reminded him of a stray client. My ears had gone into hibernation it had been so long since they’d seen the sunshine.
I was so desperate that I was ready for anyone to cut it. I looked through the shopping center where we were and finally found a shop which had someone with time to do it. I didn’t see their prices but I figured they were like everyone else’s—high but that’s life. You’ve got to get it cut.
The young lady sheared it off and I felt pounds lighter.
Lightening of the Billfold
When I paid, it was $34! Thirty four dollars for a haircut! My billfold felt much lighter after that.
Why there was a fellow who did it for a quarter when I was a kid. Of course we called him “Gappy.” I’ll let you guess why. Twenty-five cents was about what that haircut was worth but we went by the theory that after two weeks everything would be healed.
But, $34? You know what? It was worth it. It felt so good when I got all that off. My ears were sending SMSs to each other. “Hey, man. Do you see that sunshine? Ain’t it great?”
“Yeah, but I’m getting burnt. I’ve been covered up by hair son long that I’m all white.”
I probably won’t go back but it felt so good to have that pile of hay off my ears, I have no regrets.
Repentance Like a Haircut?
Repentance is a bit like a haircut. It’s hard to bring yourself to do it because of pride, but it feels so good. And it’s eternally valuable.
When we persist in our disobedience, when we say that we’re all right, when we make excuses for our actions, our heart gets shaggier and shaggier. Our spirit is so covered with harry denial that it becomes insensitive to the voice of God’s Spirit.
Those who’ve never come to God need to repent–ask forgiveness for their sins AND turn away from them. Repentance carries the idea of making a U-turn.
“God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.” (Acts 5:31, NIV). “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” (Acts 20:21)
Repentance for Believers
But, even those who know the Lord need to live with a humble heart, asking forgiveness for their failures and looking constantly to the Lord for cleansing. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.(1 Jn. 1:9, 10; 2:1, NIV)
When we repent, God forgives and restores. If you’ve never turned your life to Him, turn away from your selfish life, ask forgiveness and put your faith in the Lord Jesus for a new life.
And if you’ve repented of your sins, but find yourself trapped in something that you know displeases Him, turn in repentance and tears and He will forgive and deliver you.
The price of forgiveness demanded much more than $34! It cost the life of God’s only Son, Jesus. For us, forgiveness and eternal life are free. But, it costs us everything. We change direction. We follow a different Master. The first step is repentance followed by faith.
Repentance–better than a haircut anyday. Do you need to begin a new life? Repent and turn to the Lord Jesus. Have you lost your way? Repent. It feels so good. Much more, it changes you eternally.
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Hummm …
“One of the greatest needs of good leaders is the gift of discernment when it comes to people. Knowing who surround yourself with and knowing who to leave standing outside the gate.” Jimmy Abrams
Blast From the Past
Here’s a blast from the past you might want to check out . It’s called “Sweet Boy.”
“As we glory in your embrace.” I wanted to say to my heavenly Father, “You’re my sweet boy, Papa.” I wanted to give Him as much joy as my grandson had given me a few days before.
click here to read the entire article: https://davidscoffeestains.com/2006/07/08/sweet-boy/