John the Baptist was intentionally different from other religious leaders. He wore rags and was homeless. Many priests enjoyed fine robes and mansions, but he wanted no distractions from his message.
Repent! The kingdom of heaven is near!
Repent. We don’t like that word. It sounds so “Christianese.” It just means to feel and show regret. Turn from previous beliefs and lifestyles. Simply put, change your mind.
That’s the last thing we want to do. Once we believe something, we double down. It’s hard to change our minds. Some wear it like a badge. “Oh yes, I’m stubborn. Just like my mama and her mama before her.”
It may not be our best trait.
It’s probably why there’s so much rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents. It just doesn’t happen very often.
If you’re a Jesus follower, you know this. But we can’t get enough of it. We hold cognitive biases hardwired in since youth, forgetting we’re human and fallible. Left to our own devices, we’re self-justifying, narcissistic doom scrollers.
Sorry. Too harsh?
Suffice to say, we need Jesus, and we could all use a little more John the Baptist. He reminds us of what’s important. Life is short. Jesus is coming. Be ready!
Baptist or otherwise.