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“If one gives up easily, they can never walk in repentance, though they may perform acts of repentance.”
David Guzik
On the surface, this may sound like a works-based mentality. But consider that “giving up” often involves statements like, “This is just the way I am…” or, “I will never be able to change.” This kind of language disregards the sacrificial and resurrection power of Jesus and is why Paul makes a direct connection between repentance and diligence.
See what God did with this sadness of yours: how earnest it has made you, how eager to prove your innocence! Such indignation, such alarm, such feelings, such devotion, such readiness to punish wrongdoing! You have shown yourselves to be without fault in the whole matter.
2 Corinthians 7:11 GNB
Repentance means turning around. Conviction brings alarm and makes us zealous for truth and freedom. The diligence Paul writes of is not done in our own strength, but rather, is a response to what the Holy Spirit has already begun. It is cooperation that shows us to “be without fault” and brings freedom like never before.
When I first started preaching, I remember a sermon that I gave that lacked preparation. I did not devote enough time to the subject and it showed in the delivery. To say I felt horrible was an understatement. I felt I had let down God. I had sorrow for not taking seriously the responsibility He had divinely orchestrated to preach His Word.
That day, I was outraged that I had not given to God my best. But, that sorrow and indignation kindled a passion and desire to be more diligent than ever in my preparation. Again, it was not pride or a work-based mentality. I wasn’t ashamed because I looked incompetent and unprepared, though that was a part of the reality. My main issue was the inescapable conviction that I did not diligently follow the Spirit’s leading with the opportunity which was given to me by God.
I had to repent of this sin but I also needed to jump into action. When the Holy Spirit brings conviction into our lives, we need to be prepared to jump into action! Most western Christians are really good at attending services and programs while gathering tons of information. That’s great, but it’s not the full picture. Practical application and actions (change) should be the natural byproduct of Bible knowledge. Otherwise, it’s just information!