Dear Friends:

I grew up in a church which did not acknowledge the liturgical calendar or practice observance of such seasons as Lent. Over the past ten years, though, I have developed some close relationships with women of Lutheran and Episcopal traditions and, in so doing, have been made aware of the significance of observing sacred times in the rhythm of every year.

Ash Wednesday falls on February 17 this year and marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period (plus Sundays) of preparing for remembrance of the coming of the Lord on Palm Sunday, leading up to His death, burial and resurrection the following week.

One of the most significant things that occurs during Lent is a conscious turning from self in order to focus on Jesus. And many mark this turning from self by denying a personal indulgence for the six-weeks of Lent. I remember this from elementary school: Kids gave up broccoli or watching the evening news, or playing Monopoly – anything they could forego without suffering too much. I think they missed the point. Elementary school age kids often do. But, we are adults now. Do we miss the point sometimes, too?

Self-denial is not something we aspire to, but it is something that Jesus commands. He says,

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

When Jesus invites us to be his disciples he tells us that choosing him means turning our back on personal comfort or pleasure. But, Jesus' requirement of following and cross bearing comes with a promise,

“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35)

I don't think Jesus is necessarily talking about physical death here. I think he is talking about dying to self so that we can live for him. I think he is telling us that if we intentionally give up the life of self-indulgence and comfort that we cling to so desperately, he will give us something better – real life, trusting life, the life of rest and joy described throughout Scripture.

I find that my personal comfort can easily become the god of my life. I don't want to be hungry or to work until I drop or to give up my reading time to help someone in distress. I don't want to take money out of my bank account or forego the shopping trip or drive an old car. I do like nice things. I like a predictable schedule. I like peace and comfort – all on my own terms.

So, self-denial is not going to come naturally. It will take some intentional work. And, just as I develop physical strength by starting with short walks and working up to longer ones, by starting with small weights and working up to heavier ones, so I can develop the Jesus life by purposefully practicing self-denial one step at a time. Even small acts of devotion will enable me, by the Holy Spirit's power, to yield my will to God's will until, over time, I am drawn up into his life instead of my own. And when that happens, I will find that I have lost my selfish life, and have gained in its place a new life that only God can give. That's what Jesus has promised. And what does that life look like? Dallas Willard puts it this way,  

“When we are dead to self we will not be surprised or offended at not getting what we want. We will not even notice some things that others would react to, such as social slights, verbal put-downs, or physical discomforts. . . Apprentices of Jesus . . .do not have to look out for themselves because they are not in charge of their lives; rather, God is. The appropriately look after things that concern them, but they do not worry about outcomes that merely affect adversely their own desires and feelings. They are free to focus their efforts on the service of God and others and the furthering of the good.” ( Renovation of the Heart in Daily Practice , p. 49)

As we approach the Lenten Season this year, maybe we can see it as an opportunity to obey Jesus' call to discipleship by practicing self-denial. Not to make us more acceptable to God. Not to make us more pure. But to place ourselves in a position of submission so that the Spirit, in grace and mercy, can begin to crucify our selfishness and raise us anew as loving men and women who eventually are willing to sacrifice everything for the joy of knowing Jesus!

Joy to you in this holy season!

Bev
http://www.beverlyvankampen.com