Breaking Free from Wickedness through Repentance

by: Micah A. Tecne

If exposed to a dangerous place or situation, it is our automatic response to exert every effort to escape it. No matter what the cost, we need to move out! But what if we are unaware that we are indeed walking on a path that will bring us to our destruction? Wickedness is like a trap that brings deception and later destruction to anyone who pursues it. A proverb says, "There is a way that appears right, but in the end, it leads to death." 

As Jesus warned His hearers, "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs." The perception of "as long as don’t get caught, it won't destroy us," will bring us to our grave. Prophet Isaiah once lamented for the wicked, "Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them! They will be paid back for what their hands have done."  Additionally, Prophet Micah shared the same sentiment, "Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it because it is in the power of their hand." Which is further affirmed by Apostle Paul when he said, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Unless we realize the danger and severity of our path, we change our ways and pursue righteousness.

Being trapped in wickedness is like being locked in a dark room with the door key in our hands. Our consciousness of our dangerous situation, freedom, and safety are in our hands. The key to breaking out of wickedness lies in our choice of genuine repentance. Repentance is like realizing we're moving toward the wrong destination and willfully turning the steering wheel to change direction. Are we desperate to get out of wickedness? Are we suffering the consequences of our unguarded choices and actions? Are we desperate to move out of this trap? Respond to the call of repentance and enjoy its blessing. "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve Me." Our genuine repentance will bring us into our restoration.
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Genuine repentance brings us back to the author of righteousness. Through it, we find God's grace to admit our wickedness to Him and others. Zacchaeus, a tax collector called a sinner because of his wicked schemes, was willing to turn from his old ways and follow the path of righteousness. As we repent, we find the same grace to leave wickedness behind and pursue righteousness. Unrepentance brings us into the grave of destruction and lack of peace, but repentance brings us to grace, a life of unmerited favor! Paul admonishes us to "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
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