John came to prepare the way for Jesus. For that to happen in most people's lives, they had to re-orient their priorities and values. In other words, they needed to make a U-turn in their lives and go in the opposite direction — no longer living by their own instincts and values, but living based upon God's will. One of the biggest problems with post-modern secular culture is that some people are arrogant, believing they can decide their own way and choose their own path based upon what seems right to themselves. For true conversion to take place, for real salvation to come, there has to be both a surrender of this personal arrogance and a genuine turning to God. John preached this message with personal integrity. Do you live your life based upon God's will for you? Are you committed to obeying his will? Or, are you still trying to live based on what seems right to you? You see, repentance isn't just about being sorry for the mistakes, wrongs, transgressions, sins, or hurtful things you've done; it's about turning from them to God and living by God's holy standards. Our own ways are flawed and destructive. Without doing the things of God, we will invariably find ourselves doing things that hurt others and ourselves. Let's turn our hearts and lives fully in the direction of God!