What is Lent?
Here's Webster's cut on Lent -
Middle English lente springtime, Lent, from Old English lencten; akin to Old High German lenzin spring
Date: 13th century
: the 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting
Lent reminds me about sacrifice. Putting myself below others, in humble servitude.
In today's culture, everything is about "ME." Esteeming others above myself is viewed as uncommon and doesn't make sense.
Here's what Jesus says about Esteeming others above oneself -
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
Matthew 5: 38-42 NKJV
Pretty radical thinking and living wouldn't you say.
My first reaction to someone who wants something from me is "Get your own...this is my stuff..." I am naturally a child of wrath. Anger, envy, covetousness, lust, pride, deceit come so easily to me. It is part of my make-up.
Since Jesus has taken over my life, I am a new creation in Him. He has paid my price for all of my sins past, present and future. He encourages me to live a Holy life, not a perfect life. As Paul wrote, "...strive to live a life of perfection through our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ..."
So with Lent upon us, I ask myself "What can I do? What can I bring as an offering to you LORD?"
I will bring myself, warts and all, and ask the LORD to change me, break me, rearrange me into the willing open vessel that He wants me to be.
God Bless You,
Alex
