John 18:37
So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
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Over the years I have struggled with Lent. From questioning the value of the whole thing, to worrying about what would be most productive, to trying to be profound, to dealing with "falling off the horse."
This year, though, I am more on point. I've entered into this Lent committing to use this time to put my flesh to death. The Bible says that we need to do this if we are to enter into a truly abundant life. For me, that has been a difficult concept to get my mind around. I think the verse above helps explain it.
In our daily lives there are so many worries of the day. Schedules. Illness. Pain. Family issues. Work difficulties. Finances. Planning for the future. Figuring out how we're going to be six places at once to meet all of our worldy responsibilities.
The net result is that we fill our lives with so much noise that we lose the ability to hear Christ's voice. If we lose sight of that, we don't really belong to the truth, do we?
So ... Lenten disciplines help us to re-set our priorities. Hopefully as a result, hearing Christ's voice moves up the priority list a bit. And maybe, just maybe, it moves all the way up to #1.
Imagine what that life would look like.
Good and important thoughts. I keep asking myself, what do I need to cut out to make more room for God? The more I simplify the more room for Him.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see someone else concentrating on mortifying the flesh through fasting. I think this is very important.
Agree it's very important. Actually I'm convinced it's critical if you desire to grow spiritually. How can I truly have God first if I always do what my flesh wants me to do?
ReplyDeleteIf we are not making progress, we are stagnating. I've always hated that word. I can see the flies buzzing about the wretched pool.
ReplyDelete