TIME for LENT?

The church is currently in the season of Lent – that time of the year when Christians go around asking each other, “What did you give up?"  But rather than a time to give something up, Lent is the period of time between Ash Wednesday and Easter where the followers of Christ seek to be closer to Him.  That doesn't happen by just giving something up.  Rather, we practice replacing something natural with something spiritual.  We replace a natural practice that brings its own reward with a spiritual discipline that brings the blessing of deeper intimacy with God.

Jesus did this.  He replaced daily bread with the bread of heaven, God's word (see Matthew 4:4).  He replaced lunchtime with the food of doing God's will (see John 4:34).  We need to practice Lent like Jesus.  Are you giving up lunch? Then replace your lunchtime with time in God's word, in prayer or serving others.  Are you giving up chocolate? Replace that sweetness with the sweet presence of Jesus in worship, memorizing scripture, etc. The question we should be asking for Lent is, "What are you replacing in order to practice growing closer to your Lord?"

This year our church (San Dimas Wesleyan) is practicing Lent by replacing our time with God time:

• We’re giving up our time and replacing it with time reading through the New Testament.
  
• We’re giving up our time and replacing it with time gathered together with others sharing what God has shown us in His word.
  
• We’re giving up our time to prayer-walk our community seeking God's vision for our church.
  

It's not too late for you to start practicing Lent.

What's your answer to the Lenten Question:  What are you replacing in order to practice growing closer to your Lord?

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