There’s a funny scene in the old movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” where George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) asks his mother to point him in the right direction (where Mary Hatch – who eventually becomes his true love and “compass” – lives). She points his body right toward her house. And then he starts walking the other way!

One of the smallest of the small words we call “prepositions” is the word, “to.” This word is all about direction. We are either going “to” this place or that place.

As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, God initiates with the “by” and “from.” Our first response of God’s initiative should be “to” Him.

The Bible speaks of this response of “to God.” We are to cry out to him. We lift up our hands to his Name. We run to the Rock of our Salvation, our Strong Tower. We draw near to God. All who are thirsty or heavy-ladened or broken hearted, are invited to come to Christ.

But like George Bailey, we often go the other way. Our false self believes that we can find greater satisfaction, comfort and fulfillment by going “to” other things. The Old Testament called this propensity of going to the wrong things, “idolatry.”

That’s why repentance is such a big deal in the Bible. Repentance is that awareness that we are pointed in the wrong direction. Repentance is all about making that “about-face” so that we go to God.

Too many Christians think that repentance is a “one-time” thing. But that’s delusional and prideful thinking. Human beings are bent toward going the wrong way. Once is not enough. Repentance is a regular and on-going practice for the honest Whole Life Worshiper.

George Bailey eventually came to his senses, repented from his foolish pride, and headed towards Mary’s house. It was a battle, but he soon realized that going to Mary was the “opportunity of a lifetime.” And for us, going to Jesus is always the opportunity for life itself.

So what does going to Jesus, to God, mean for you right now? For some it means establishing a rhythm of connection, like Personal Worship Time in the morning or fixed times of prayer during the day. For others, it means a “turn around” from something that takes away life – to the One who gives life.

And oh, I’m running to Your arms. I’m running to Your arms. The riches of your love will always be enough. Nothing compares to Your embrace. Light of the World, forever reign. (“Forever Reign” by Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram)