My first experience of Lent came in college. Lent was not something I grew up with or knew. College friends of mine used to give up chocolate, and I followed suit, not understanding the point of this exercise. Over the years, I came to understand more of the purpose of Lent. The whole point of giving up something in our lives for this period of time is not to show off or follow tradition. It is one symbol of purification in a sense and of repentance and reconciliation. I believe that it is through the self-denial of things that hold us in a strong grip that we come to depend wholly on God to deliver and purify us, and thus we draw closer to the God who bids us to come near.
It has been, and is, always about our relationship with God. That is the whole point to the birth of His Son on earth (Christmas) and the death and resurrection of Jesus (Easter). Indeed, that is the whole point of the Bible -- it is all about relationship, redemption and reconciliation. The perfect and holy God, who cannot tolerate any sin, stops sinful people from coming near Him and having fellowship with Him. (Consider how darkness cannot exist around a LED light.) God provides the only perfect atonement -- His Son, Jesus, to cleanse and redeem His people so that they can be reconciled and have a relationship with Him again.
So in this season of Lent, I encourage you to consider giving up one thing that actually has a grip on your life. It could be a physical object (food, TV, etc.) or something intangible (an attitude, a characteristic, a mindset, etc.). It won't be easy. It can only be done with dependence on God -- seek Him lots and pray lots. As you purge whatever it is from your life while seeking Him, you will find what you are looking for. And you might be surprised at the blessings that come along with it.
It has been, and is, always about our relationship with God. That is the whole point to the birth of His Son on earth (Christmas) and the death and resurrection of Jesus (Easter). Indeed, that is the whole point of the Bible -- it is all about relationship, redemption and reconciliation. The perfect and holy God, who cannot tolerate any sin, stops sinful people from coming near Him and having fellowship with Him. (Consider how darkness cannot exist around a LED light.) God provides the only perfect atonement -- His Son, Jesus, to cleanse and redeem His people so that they can be reconciled and have a relationship with Him again.
So in this season of Lent, I encourage you to consider giving up one thing that actually has a grip on your life. It could be a physical object (food, TV, etc.) or something intangible (an attitude, a characteristic, a mindset, etc.). It won't be easy. It can only be done with dependence on God -- seek Him lots and pray lots. As you purge whatever it is from your life while seeking Him, you will find what you are looking for. And you might be surprised at the blessings that come along with it.
1 comment:
Hi Teng!!! Greetings from M'sia!
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