Our politicians seem to make more public U-turns nowadays. And they get criticized, or even ridiculed.

U-turns in life are not always bad things. When we are heading along a mountain path or a road that leads to danger then a U-turn is a way of surviving. In fact, it can be essential.

Similarly, when a bad decision has been made then it is good to revoke it.  Of course, it is better not to make the bad decisions in the first place. But sticking rigidly to a foolish decision makes no sense.

The word ‘repent’ is used a lot in the Bible. And it means to change our mind. The consequence of this is also to change our way of life.

Jesus is the only person who has never had to repent. His life was perfect: he always pleased God. He preached:

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.

Mark 1:15

The apostles had the same message. Peter told the Jews:

 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.

Acts 3:19

The apostle Paul said that he had

…declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.

Acts 26:20

It is a commandment of God

…but now He [God] commands all people everywhere to repent.

Acts 17:30

Furthermore, it is a matter of long-term survival.

[God] is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2 Peter3:9

So, rather than criticizing other people, maybe we should ask ourselves whether we have done a complete U-turn for God. If not, then we need to think very carefully about this.