That’s the central message of Lent.
May I tell you a story? 3 or 4 years ago I resolved to give up coffee for Lent. If you know my coffee consumption you will marvel at the sacrifice or stupidity of such a decision. Well, the first three days were filled with blinding headaches. At one point I even considered checking myself into the Betty Ford Clinic. So, after several days and valiant effort, I gave up.
Here’s the point. Lenten fasting shows my relative frailty. In other words, I can’t even give up coffee for 40 days; how could I ever hope to save my own eternal soul?
I need a Saviour to rescue me from the natural end of my rebellious life. I need a Saviour who has conquered death. Lent prepares me to celebrate Jesus, who defeated my final foe; suffering a bloody cross in my place and leaving behind an empty tomb, thus robbing the grave of its sting.
I need the Holy Spirit to displace my sinful, self-destructive, offensive behaviours with new desires. I need nothing less than the power of the living God to reshape and reform my affections, causing me to desire holiness and to hate my own sin.
So, this Lent I am giving up pride and arrogance. I, however, am not so arrogant as to believe that I can accomplish this. Instead, I will pray. I am praying that the Holy Spirit will prick my conscience when pride creeps in. I am praying that my crucified Saviour will show me the path to humility. I am praying that the power of the Holy Spirit will birth a deep desire for humility in my heart.
What are you giving up for Lent?
