Bible study tonight made me think of something, so you readers will have to forgive me if i start to preach a bit. We studied Lent, and talked about the season, the traditions and some of the meanings behind it, and it got me to thinking.

Why is it that we live a season of Lent, why not aim for a Lenten Life. I admit, i think it would be tough, but is that not what we are ultimately called to do, live a life that is free of sin. A Lenten life would be one of deep introspection, prayer, and service, sounds like a good definition of a Christian life to me. I really do think that a life lived in all seasons as Lent would be a good thing for Christians.

Most folks look at Lent as the time that you give up something you like, chocolate, caffeine, cokes, what ever that thing that you like is. These sacrifices should really have some spiritual signfiance, not simply an ascetic removal of pleasure from your life. I think for lent it is more about identifying the sin in your life and stepping in with Doctor God to excise that cancer from your soul. That removal may take something with it, but it was probably not a good thing to begin with. The other reason I like the Great Healer analogy is that no one would ever do surgery on them selves, like real open heart type surgery. God must be the one doing his work, we simply have to let him, and we have to trust.

I think this Lent during the times of introspection I am going to ask that God identify my flaws, and help me to set out an action plan to remedy them. I will ask what i need to "give up", not just for lent so folks know I am a good Christian and I follow the traditions, but rather the big things, the Sins i love so much that are the Devil's work in me to separate me from God. Lent should not be 40 days of right living and prayer to make up for the other 325 days of debauchery and fun. Lent should be a reminder, and an encourager to us all, a season to re-charge and realign our minds and should with God. Life should be lived every hour as if it were Ash Wednesday Service, not depressed, down, self loathing time. Rather a time of introspection, correction, improvement, and total surrender to the Healer, Jesus.

Well now that i have preached and bored you all, leave a comment, let me know what you think,

Also, if it is your way, please pray for all Christians during Lent, that God will act in their lives and souls and help us realign with his path for each of us. Pray for healing of minds, bodies, souls and relationships. Pray for me as well, that this season will last a life time.

God bless,