“What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ “ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

The chief priests and elders of the Jewish people are asking Jesus questions here. In the middle of the conversation, he issues a stern warning: Watch yourselves, lest the day of salvation pass you by.

The way of righteousness is found though the gate of humility, the valley of repentance, and the steep but rewarding mountain path of love and truth.

What John the Baptist preached was not judgmental attitudes or strict adherence to a long list of “do’s and don’ts”. Instead, it was a heart-level forgiveness that was less about the elegance of one’s words, and more about the brokenness of their hearts over their own sins.

So how am I compromising today, and what do I need to do to surrender my whole heart into the hands of my Savior and Lord, Jesus?

Lord, you see all. Nothing is hidden from you. Train me to stay focused on the positive and joyful ways of your Spirit. Help me to ask for what I need from you. To be honest, to seek you, to cling to you and thrive in the beauty of your presence. May I shine your love to a dark and selfish world.