Lenten Reflections
Growing up in the Midwest, Lent was the season of giving something up. The local Catholics (at least the most pious) gave up meat on Fridays, leading to some amazing Friday night fish fries at restaurants. Chocolate and sweets ranked high on the list, as well as habits such as complaining or gossip.
While the practice of self-discipline is inherently good, most of the items on the abstinence list were short-term options. Who were we kidding? I think we knew it would not lead to long-term change. In fact, many (if not most) of us were unable to abstain for the entire season.
The main reason there was little effect in our lives was because we were attempting to change actions without changing the heart or mind. Our words and actions are an extension of our heart’s condition. As an example, I know I should exercise more but if my heart isn’t into it…well let’s be honest. It isn’t going to happen.
A long-time friend/pastor shared wise insight with me. God is not a God of scarcity, but abundance. If we are going to give something up, it should be transformational for the heart. Rather than giving up chocolate, let’s give up shame. Instead of cutting out meat, let’s break the chains of fear. If we are going to give up something, let it be something that heals and transforms the heart, leading to new actions and words.
During the season of Lent, I have decided to lead a series on giving up things that prevent new life. Weekly themes include shame, fear, self-loathing, control, and anger. I hope that during this reflective season, we can ask God to help us replace those things that drain life and replace them with new life.
May your Lenten journeys be prayerful and transformational.
Peace,
Pastor Randy