For many years, I have given things up during the Lenten season. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (this year February 17th) and end with Easter Sunday. It spans a total of 40 days and is often thought as a parallel to Jesus’ “testing” in the wildness. Giving something up gives me time for serious, disciplined self-examination, a time spent in intensive prayer and repentance before the cross of Calvary.
Here are some reflective questions that a friend of mine shared with his congregation that can be used during this time:
■Am I sharing gladly what I have with others, especially the stranger and the poor?
■Do I have a gracious and patient attitude with others, especially those who irritate me?
■Do I feel the power of connection to God and the church in corporate worship?
■How is my devotional and prayer life progressing? Am I listening to God more and complaining less? Is it time for a change or a growth in my Bible study and prayer life?
■What are the lurking sin problems, which still plague me?
■Am I as thoughtful and forgiving of family as others, or do I take my frustrations out on them?
■Do I speak up for the maligned and oppressed, or do I remain silent in order to remain popular?
I challenge you to use the the Lenten season as a time to re-examine who you are and who is God in your life. Allow yourself to be drawn closer to Jesus the Christ.
