Lent: A Time of Reflection

Tomorrow. Ash Wednesday. The start of the Lenten season. A time for repentance. A time where we journey to see Christ dying on the cross for us. A time to be reminded that from dust we came and to dust we shall return. A reflection, in today’s society, we may not want to see. I know I don’t sometimes. The sinner in us doesn’t want to admit that we are sinners. Yet, by taking this time, when we wake up on Easter morning, get into our brightly colored outfits, and head out for church and that amazing egg bake we tend to appreciate Christ’s sacrifice so much more.

Yet, in weeks leading up to this day I’m met less with people reflecting on their sins and more of what they’ll give up. Is it chocolate? TV? Alcohol? Pick the poison. Now, before I go any further, I’ll be the first to admit I’m no chocolate cake. I definitely sin and definitely have some stubbornness in me that doesn’t want to admit it. I mean it doesn’t hurt to lie about how many chocolate candies you’ve eaten in a day, right? (Just kidding, it does. It’s a lie, thus a sin.)

For me, Lent is an important season because I need that extra time of reflection. I go to church, on Wednesday, and am reminded that “Faith ain’t that great, but God sure thinks so. So much He sent His Son to die for me.” I am reminded that I stumble and I fall, but God is always right beside me to help me get back up. What I don’t need, is to feel that in order to be a good Christian I must give something up.

Now, am I saying, “Go, ahead eat that chocolate, forget about fasting and Lent” No, not at all. If that is something you feel helps you better understand what Christ did for you, go for it! What I’m trying to instill is that whether you do or don’t give up that piece of chocolate, God is going to love you anyway. He doesn’t need a fast to be told you’re His child.

So this Lenten season take a moment with me, daily or weekly, and self-examine your life. What’s something you can change for the better? Maybe with a friend? A loved one? A project? While you’re reflecting and thinking about Christ’s sacrifice for you, remember that these actions aren’t building your faith, but is a fruit of your faith. It is because we appreciate Christ dying on the cross, when He didn’t have to, that we want to go out and make the world a better place. Not the other way around.

I pray you’ll join me.