Have you decided what you will give up for Lent? Ash Wednesday is then the decision should be made. My choices are starting to narrow down a bit. Since I am not so sure what to choose, I will give up all of the remaining choices which are sweet potatoes, asparagus, cooked carrots, and cantaloupe. Here is the twist since these choices are given up on a daily basis. I am not really making a sacrifice but I make myself feel good. This is the same as a dyed in the wool Gamecock fan saying they will give up pulling for Clemson except when the two teams play each other. Giving up that which is of no real sacrifice means the act in itself is superficial.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season which is a time of personal reflection and examination. Lent is associated with what we plan to give up as a form of discipline. There is truly nothing wrong with that as it becomes a means of worshiping God. Opening ones self up to God through the denial of self is what we have been called to do as Christians. However, it is what motivates us which is the concern of what is given up for Lent. After all, Lent is about focusing our lives on Christ again through ways such as meditation on God’s word and prayer.
Do you realize approximately 85% of people growing up outside of the church perceive Christians to be hypocritical? We can obviously rationalize this characterization by blaming the actions of only a few people. For example, those saying one thing and doing another. However, I believe it is more subtle than that. Simply we may be trying to publicly portray ourselves in a favorable fashion especially on Ash Wednesday as ashes are spread on our foreheads. Our motivations and desires play an important role in the actions of our faith. When our goal is to portray ourselves in a favorable light through our acts of faith then we compromise our Christian walk. Yes, we do “good” since that is what Methodists do. Do no harm, do all the good that you can, and attend to all the ordinances of God. Yet, it can sometimes be perceived that when we do it may be seen as a form of offering that we may receive some form of social benefit. For example, monetary offerings provide tax breaks or participation in events bring about new contacts in church. Same can be said for our service in the church. Serving on a committee can bring about attention. Why are we on the committee? Are we advancing our own agenda or the message of Christ? Are we serving in a mission field solely for the purpose of earning favor with the Pastor or even God? Jesus warns us about our motives and desires when we engage in public acts of faith. “Do not draw attention tour selves for public acclamation but when you give, do not let others know what you are doing for our reward is in heaven. Not a future reward, but they are the ones we find in the company of God.”
Our faith should be one of authenticity. We should be real about who we really are. We should acknowledge the inconsistencies in our lives by being open and honest about our faults especially to God. Maybe take an honest assessment about our lives thus making ourselves transparent by acknowledging we are fallen people who need God in our lives. During the Season of Lent we should desire to do as Jesus has commanded by developing a balance in our spiritual walk. Let Jesus be a part of our whole being not just part. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor for God’s grace has been revealed in Jesus and through the cross. Let our hearts be transformed by Jesus so that they are pure. To understand that forgiveness is about restoration as children of God. Forgiveness transforms self centered people into God centered people. Our sense of purpose should be derived from acts of love and service. It is not dependent on who gets the credit since such acts are done in the authentic love of Jesus Christ. Our spiritual discipline strengthens the capacity to please God through our acts of faith all year. Do these acts without drawing attention, be public with our forms of worship, use them as a way to be a witness of Jesus. Let people see the smudge on your forehead as Lent begins. And if they ask, tell them about what it means for an imperfect people to live in the freedom Jesus Christ offers. What is the purpose of Lent? It calls us to reflection and repentance, invites us to prepare Good Friday and Easter, and reminds us of our humanity and sinfulness. In the end, it is about a grace filled return to the Lord our God. This year for Lent, I am giving up the notion that the Kingdom of God can't make it without me and I am the perfect Christian.
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