A Lenten Challenge

Today is Fat Tuesday. I don't make that observation because I've looked in the mirror, but because of the tradition to get all of the fat in the house used up (consumed) before the beginning of Lent at midnight. Others observe the day by celebrating Mardi Gras.

Regardless, most people feel that they ought to do something for Lent, but aren't quite sure what. (Fatalists feel there's no point doing anything for Lent, because they'll only fail at it.)

Here's what I recommended to my congregation:

The official word about Lent is that it is a time for self-examination and self-denial. That’s often been a hard sell for the American church, where our economy and much of our society is committed to self-indulgence. So my mind wanders toward self-indulgence, even though many of our political and economic leaders also tell me that right now self-denial might be more in order.

Two words – opposites – help me envision a productive use of Lent for 2009: “indulgence” and “denial.” Of the two, indulgence is the far easier one for me to focus on. So my thoughts then go to two other words: “God,” and “me.” (OK, so it’s easier again to think of myself than to think of God, but this is a church newsletter, so let’s pretend that thinking about God is somewhat easy.) In truth, when I deny myself, I indulge in God; when I indulge myself, I deny God.

So, for Lent this year, I’d like to focus not so much on denying myself, but on indulging God. How, then, do I indulge God? What does God most want from me? You’ve heard me say before that what God wants most from us is for us to walk with him. So I propose here that an appropriate endeavor for Lent is not to give up chocolate, but to give more time to walking with God. While initially that may seem as difficult as giving up chocolate, it is ultimately far more beneficial.

At least four or five times each year I resolve to read my Bible more often, perhaps even daily, but it doesn’t take long for that resolution to weaken. This year, for Lent, I’m going to try it again. Care to join me? There are so many plans for daily Bible reading (and each one is the best, of course), I’m going to propose a psalm a day. While just about any place you read in the Bible is instructive, the psalms are uniquely worshipful. The Daily Lectionary offers two psalms each day, one for morning and one for evening. I’ll be including these recommended readings each week in our church bulletin. We may even find a certain connectedness knowing that we are each reading the same psalm on a given day.

But don’t just read and run. Close your eyes and think about it. Then say something to God. It doesn’t have to be a formal prayer; conversation with God works great. He’ll like it, and you will too.

So this year for Lent, don’t focus on giving up something. Indulge! Focus on giving something…to God. Give him a few minutes more of your time each day. In so doing, the true spirit of Lent will be well served, and you and I will grow together.

If you lack a list of readings, create your own, or click here for help. This year, let's focus on giving something (rather than giving up something) and in so doing draw closer to God.