I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 5:32
Sermons about sin and repentance are unpopular because many churchgoers prefer motivational speeches that soothe their consciences. On the surface, these feel-good messages seem harmless, helping people grapple with social and emotional challenges. However, these unbiblical sermons promote pop psychology and good karma over confession and repentance.
All have transgressed against God. We can only be justified by faithfully submitting to his plan of reconciliation. Jesus Christ preached about repentance with urgency: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Through repentance, a person acknowledges God’s sovereignty and—with a contrite heart—confesses and turns from wickedness.
Jesus Calls Sinners to Repentance
Consider when Jesus and his disciples attended a celebration at Matthew’s home. To the dismay of religious leaders, various sinners were in attendance.
And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
Luke 5:29-32
But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Blind to their own wicked hearts, the scribes and Pharisees criticized Jesus for being in the company of sinners. Jesus did not expect them to understand his mission, which was to save those who recognized their sins and sought forgiveness. Today, some Christians are just as self-righteous. Blind in sin, they try to circumvent Jesus’s call for repentance. Unfortunately, some church leaders make it worse. Instead of preaching repentance, they teach congregants to use positive thinking and the law of attraction to achieve success!
Positive Thinking
Positive thinking means approaching life’s challenges with a positive outlook. While maintaining an optimistic mindset is beneficial, what matters most is what a person is thinking! Positive thinking may change perception, but it does not change reality. Humans lie to each other and to themselves. For instance, a thief and an adulterer could justify their vices with positive thinking. Instead of repenting, they may rationalize their sins. On the other hand, Christians’ thoughts must align with God’s truth. What is the truth? We will die in sin without repentance, no matter what we think about it. Positive thoughts cannot purify wicked hearts.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:8
Purity of thought is the fruit of a pure heart.
Renew the Mind Instead
Even more, positive thoughts may not be true or pure. Believers should reject any practice that negates the necessity of repentance. If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us (1 John 1:9). Then, after redemption, our thoughts should be subjected to God’s perfect will. Instead of playing mind games, we should renew our minds in Christ.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2
Law of Attraction
The law of attraction is based on the belief that thoughts are a form of energy and that positive energy attracts success. In other words, the universe positively responds to good energy emissions; therefore, each person’s destiny is in his hands. Nevertheless, people deceive themselves with this practice. When Christians prioritize prosperity over righteousness, they become vulnerable. The devil tempts people with good fortune, blinding them to the deteriorating condition of their hearts. A person may believe his accomplishments are derived from so-called good energy forces; in actuality, he has been manipulated by the enemy to avoid Christ’s call to repentance.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12
Sow and Reap Instead
The law of attraction is not the Biblical principle of sowing and reaping. The world teaches us to pursue worldly success instead of righteousness. However, without repentance, we become self-centered in that pursuit. On the other hand, Jesus instructs us to seek the kingdom of God before anything else.Those who harness energy to gain power and money may reap temporal benefits, but Jesus is the Lord of the harvest (Matthew 9:38), and his sowers receive an everlasting reward.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Galatians 6:7-8
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
The world has nothing of true value to offer. Despite popular sermons that tickle the ears of congregants, positive thoughts and good energy are not redemptive. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The good news is that through Jesus Christ, there is forgiveness, justification, and everlasting life.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Psalm 51:1-2
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.