The word repent is used often in the Bible, mainly as a command. We generally know what it means, but it is an intimidating word, so we tend to read it and not spend much time thinking about its application to our lives. It can, in places, mean to change how we think, but it usually means to change how we act or behave. We tend to think it is like walking into a changing room wearing old, dirty clothes and walking out wearing spiffy, new clothes, an immediate change based on our choosing what to wear. Most people want to change who they are and try to change, but not much difference takes place. Most people have given up on the “repent” thing and have settled for different coping methods to help them live comfortably with who they are.

Most of the Bible is filled with principles and guidelines on how to change, and most of them suggest that repenting is a process, not an immediate “about face.” Because I am a sequential thinker and a mechanic at heart, I like solutions to problems in steps, and each step to be pretty small.

The first step is identifying a sin, problem, or character flaw I want to change. I have many, but I only pick one or two to work on at a time; otherwise, I don’t do well for several reasons.

Second, I write out what I want to change as clearly as possible, making it measurable so I know whether I am moving. I write it out as an absolute; otherwise, I will become content with a partial change

When I fail, I confess it to the Lord with no justification or excuses; I own my failure 100%. I then recommit to conquer this problem and ask the Lord to give me His strength to do His will. As I notice positive progress in my behavior, I thank the Lord for making me increasingly more like Him.

If I can find books, sermons, or podcasts that revolve around the issue I am working on, I will work at learning as much as I can from others on how to conquer this problem in my life. Also, if I know of people who have had success in the area I am working on, I will seek counsel from them

Often, an area of my life that I am working on needs some accountability from others to succeed. The humility required to seek accountability or counsel from others is very pleasing to the Lord, and He will reward it with great strength.

A problem that I had in the past was getting angry at Patty. Anger is a problem that many people have that rarely gets better. I wrote, “I will never get angry at Patty, not even a little bit irritated, no matter what she has done and no matter how many times she has done it.” I told her of my commitment and that every time I said, “I love you,” I was remaking my promise to her.

Occasionally, I get irritated at her and say something hurtful, but I repent again, saying to myself, “I will only speak words that edify and build up, never words that are spoken from anger or irritation.”

Change is slow and complex; the key is to keep diligently pursuing it, never get apathetic or lazy about repenting.,