The word “repent” means a lot to us here at Freeing My Mind. (And by “us” I mean, me.) The reason behind this is that our modern understanding of repentance is actually very different from what the word actually means. At least the Greek word recorded in scripture. I’m not a Greek scholar by any means, but I do know how to use Google. Metanoeo, is the term for “repent” in the original language. After reading about 10 different definitions of the word, it is best summed up as “to perceive afterwards”. While this may sound a little confusing at first, it’s actually quite simple. It is a realization that leads to a complete change of mindset. It is an enlightenment that changes one’s life. In other words, it is a freeing of the mind. The realization that what we once thought and the way we once lived is actually wrong. We come to the understanding that a new way of living and thinking is now mandatory.
While most people come up with pictures of weeping and sorrow when the word repent is used, I believe repentance is actually a joyous thing. It leads to a new state of being and a new lease on life. While repentance does lead to our salvation in Christ, in a grander sense it leads to our understanding of God’s kingdom. It is an ongoing process by which our hearts and minds are continually transformed into the image of God and His creation. Repentance is the foundation of reformation. In order for something to be reformed, we have to first realize the need for that reformation. This comes through repentance.
It might seem like I’m trying to teach here, and I guess I am in a sense, but this is an idea that has formed everything that I believe. The idea of repentance means that the way we once thought is false when compared to our new understanding. If we as people and we as the Church are to continue to grow, then we must have an ongoing heart of repentance. Are you tired of hearing the word. Let me rephrase it. We must have an ongoing heart for reformation. A reorganizing of our lives, hearts, mindsets and purposes. Without this, we cease to grow and we begin to exist in a perpetual state. True repentance changes almost every facet of our viewpoint. We begin to look at the world different. We see people in a different light. Our understanding and relationship with God becomes more alive. I can honestly say that I probably go through a process like this at least once a year. A series of encounters with and revelations of God which drastically change my viewpoint. While some might consider this wishy-washy, I would say that it is simply continued growth in God.
There is an idea that I learned during middle-school science. That idea is called the Scientific Method.
The image you see here, is the Scientific Method. It’s simple really. 1) A question is asked. This question begins by analyzing a current existence. We begin to question why that is and if it is actually true. Next, we 2) do background research. We attempt to understand the subject in question and what the current state of thought regarding the matter is. Next we 3) construct a hypothesis. This is a theory about the answer to our question. The next step involves 4) testing with an experiment. We put our ideas up to scrutiny. We don’t simply take our hypothesis and consider is truth because it is what we believe, but we decide that that which is true can stand in the face of questions. Thus, the experiment. Finally, we 5) analyze the results and draw a conclusion. Our idea has now stood in the face of scrutiny and either holds up or doesn’t. This leads us to a conclusion. 6) Either our hypothesis is true or it is not. This is where things get interesting. If our theory turns out to be false, then our original question is yet to answered. In fact, we leave the experiment with more questions than we began with. If our original idea is not true, then that means that actually do not know what is. If it is true, then that idea has now stood up to the test and has come out as true.
“Craig, what in the world are you talking about.” I’m talking about repentance. This is how it actually comes about. We question our current mindsets, think on that mindset, test that mindset and see if how we think and feel is actually true. The only way to really do this is not by testing our thoughts against our natural way of thinking, but against the nature and will of God.
Our problem seems to be that we see true faith as not having any room for scrutiny. If we really have faith, then we shouldn’t question it. This perception is outside the realm of repentance. If we never question and test our mindsets, how can we actually believe them to be true?
“To perceive afterwards”. To come into a new way of thinking due to the process of thinking, testing and concluding.
The, at least, yearly process of change that I seem to go through happens through this method. I see an aspect of my life and beliefs and I begin to question it. I measure it up to what God says on that matter and at times repentance occurs. I realize that my current way of thinking is actually false. I must then begin the process over with my new way of thinking.
With posts such as this there is always a fear of sounding overly high-brow or even pretentious. But again, I’m simply freeing my mind.
Besides, I can blame it on my brother, Chris. He’s the one that got me thinking about this. Which leads me to today’s inspiration. This is a video done by my brother. Do we look alike? He and the rest of the guys at Student Life really do some of the best media presentations around. I think you’ll enjoy it. If not, then ask yourself why.
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