You say you’re sorry! Where’s the evidence? You say you’ll never do (fill in the blank) again! Where’s the evidence? You say you’re a Christian! Where’s the evidence? In any statement or declaration you make, is there evidence to support it? I’m really not pointing fingers because I ask myself these questions as well. Sometimes… I do have evidence that supports what I’m saying. Sadly, not always. Point being – sometimes we are too glib with our words and actions. They trip off our tongues with little effort or we find ourselves acting unthinkingly.
So what are these words then??? And if they aren’t an accurate record of what we mean, what we are willing to be and do… why say them? Is it to put our best face forward? To ameliorate what we have just said or done? Do we believe, at that moment, what we are saying – or is there a still, small voice in our heads saying… “Really! Do you truly care enough to change?” Regardless, isn’t it difficult for you and others to accept an apology when the behavior is continually repeated? Sorry! What, precisely, are you sorry about?!
I realize these words sound harsh. Truth sometimes is. However, if this doesn’t speak to you, is not relevant then dismiss them. On the other hand, if there is a spark of truth in them, if they do apply to you on some level, then you have an opportunity to become purposed to change. It partially depends on our motivation, part on our commitment to be our best us, and part on the priority level of changing. Face it, change can be difficult – not the least because we know what those in our lives expect. Still… what, how… and when are you willing to face this issue?
I titled this – where’s the evidence. This is because we are ‘old enough’ to understand truth. We are able to change, to grow. We can provide evidence of a changed person when we purpose to change. That’s why scripture tells US to put off the old man and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22-24). It’s something we choose to do, to be. The hope, joy, comfort is that we don’t do this alone. We have a Lord who understands, who was tempted but didn’t act on it (Hebrews 4:15) so He can and will help us to become our best us and then we can provide the evidence.
