Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

As we are about to begin this journey through Lent, there are many different practices that people adopt. One might give up something for Lent like coffee, chocolate, or some other thing that we love in order to remind us of sacrifice. Every time we might long for such a thing, we turn our eyes and heart toward what Christ did for us. The danger is that we start mourning the loss of what we love, thus taking our eyes off of Jesus and placing them on our own desires. Also, if we are going to give something up, make it something that might have a greater value. If you spend a lot of time surfing the internet, maybe give that up and use that time to spend in God’s word. The world will not stop turning because you are not keeping up with the latest news or miss the latest show. If you are going to give something up, try to find something that not only points you to Christ, but improves your walk with God. If you are going to practice almsgiving, the giving of money, food, or other assistance, do as Scripture tells us... “to not let the left hand know what the right hand is doing”. If you need to telegraph what you are doing or expect a pat on the pack or a big thank you, it is time to check your motives. Who are you doing it for. The Bible says if you are going to throw a banquet, invite people that cannot repay you, therefore ensuring that the motive isn’t getting anything in return. If we choose to give, it should be freely and joyfully, understanding that everything that we have is not truly ours, but on loan from God. You can choose how much or how often you would do this. It is not a requirement. just give what God puts on your heart to do. Some choose to do acts of service, which can be a great blessing to others. This can be a great way to humble ourselves as we serve others. Again, the danger is a false humility that secretly wants to be praised. Look for ways you might be a blessing to others. If they don’t know you, and what you do does not come across as “creepy”, it is good to do this for strangers as they will not know who to repay. We should give and serve freely as Jesus has set the example before us. You may just choose to spend more time in prayer and reading God’s word. You may choose just to go to worship and try to apply the message to your life... your choice. Father, help us in this season of Lent to take time to contemplate our mortality and sin, and to seek You. Amen