Journey Through Lent

You may recall how Moses led the Israelites out of cEgypt toward the Promised Land. According to Exodus 34:28 we read that during this journey, God called him to the top of Mount Sinai for “forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water”. There, God gave Moses His covenant, the Ten Commandments, so they could live in alignment with the Lord.

The similarity of Christ’s wilderness experience is plain to see particularly the sense of going without in order to gain a more meaningful gift.  In Moses case of course it was the Ten Commandments; God’s principles for life and living.

These scenarios from scripture are the basis of the practice of giving up something for Lent.  All too often this practice remains with the notion of what we are to give up with little thought of what will replace this space in our lives. I recently came across a number of ideas to not only go without but to replace with something more positive. Here are just a few:-

GIVE UP grumbling! Instead, "In everything give thanks." Constructive criticism is OK, but "moaning, groaning, and complaining" are not Christian disciplines.

GIVE UP looking at other people's worst points. Instead concentrate on their best points. We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook theirs first.

GIVE UP speaking unkindly. Instead, let your speech be generous and understanding. It costs so little to say something kind and uplifting. Why not check that sharp tongue at the door?

GIVE UP your hatred of anyone or anything! Instead, learn the discipline of love. "Love covers a multitude of sins."

GIVE UP your worries and anxieties! Instead, trust God with them. Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about: like tomorrow! Live today and let God's grace be sufficient.

GIVE UP judging by appearances and by the standard of the world! Instead, learn to give up yourself to God. There is only one who has the right to judge, Jesus Christ. 

May in this Lenten period we be people who like Mary the sister of Martha choose the better part. (Luke 10:41-42)

Dear God, I've let the act of doing become self-serving, filling the void of discontentment. I thank you for all that you've blessed me with. And I pray that I may find contentment by slowing down and sitting at your feet, like Mary, and in doing so find the blessing of following our ways. Amen