Ash Wednesday

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(1 John 1:8–9, ESV)

With Ash Wednesday (February 17th), we enter the Christian season of Lent.  Believe it or not, we are already in the season of preparation for Easter – not because you can now see Easter chocolate and rabbits in stores but because Lent is the season for readying ourselves to celebrate Easter / to celebrate resurrection.

Many of our church traditions have avoided or ignored Lent because of past associations, but by doing so we have lost much of what penitence means.  We view repentance more as an apology when actually it is a deeply personal and spiritual journey.  Lent is a season which draws us into this journey.

It is essential for our walk with God to acknowledge that while God is all-loving and holy, we naturally are not.  While God first created a perfect creation, implanting His image in us, sin entered the world and marred that perfection.  We are now living in a life of journeying back towards the intended perfection of creation.  God has provided all we need to be redeemed in Christ, but we must also take a step in this process.

Lent is not meant to be fun or happy but rather to be humbling and somber.  During this season, we do the work of being right with God.  We humbly pray, asking God directly to reveal in us that which opposes Him.  True repentance involves listening as the Spirit of God reveals the attitudes, choices, and areas of selfishness in our lives that are opposite His character.  True repentance then acknowledges what the Spirit reveals, confessing it back to God, and aligning our lives back with His.

So, as we have entered Lent, let us use these days and weeks from now until Easter to intentionally reflect upon the redeeming work of Christ.  The greatest challenge with this is not the cross or receiving forgiveness but is truly examining ourselves.  Many add prayerful practices into this season in order to be open to God’s voice.  Many fast from food, technology, social media, or something else that often takes a majority of our focus.

What is it for you?  What is stealing your attention these days?  What is it that captures your attention more so than God Himself?  What step will you take today to focus on Father God?