1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come
Tomorrow, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and people all over the world will be thinking about what they can give up throughout the next six weeks. For some, it will be chocolate, candies, or desserts. For others, it may be red meat, fatty foods, or high calorie dishes. Still others may give up bad habits like smoking, drinking, or gambling. However, isn’t the whole point of Lent about trying to prepare ourselves spiritually to receive Christ, but not necessarily as thinner or healthier people?
So what about doing something positive for Lent instead of just giving up on something negative? What about growing our godliness instead of healthiness? What about cultivating the spiritual side of our lives instead of just looking after the physical frame we belong to?
How about setting aside time to read the Bible instead of Facebook? What about taking time to really pray instead of winging it each day? What about asking God to guide our future and show us what He wants for our lives, instead of taking Him for granted and automatically asking Him to bless our choices, our decisions, and our plans?
That would be a Lent worth keeping. That would be enriching our godliness and growing our faith. That would be worthy of our time and Christ’s ways.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, as we begin the Fast of Lent, show us new ways to grow godliness in our lives. Help us to see what is eternal and everlasting within us. Enable us to focus upon increasing the fruits of the Spirit each day of Lent. Draw us nearer and closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions of today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s image is one of John’s latest Lighthouse drawings. It depicts a silhouetted Venetian lighthouse at sunset on the Greek coast. It’s called “Katapausis,” which is the Greek word for “Sabbath Rest.” You can view a larger version of this drawing at the following link:
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