“Lent, It’s All About Getting Ready”
This past week I had an inspection. Well, actually I had two inspections. The first one was done to me. I was inspected by a Dermatologist. She was a medical doctor trained in the study of and the care of skin. She visually scanned my face, neck, arms, and back. She quickly pointed out a number of areas that were of concern. Some she said are precancerous and need immediate attention. This inspection was timely and is proving to be to my advantage. I am grateful my wife insisted on this inspection.
The second inspection was self imposed. As I observed my Lenton preparation for holy week I read the words of Jesus’ (without whom there would be no holy week) , “why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye?”.
I reflected about my worship that very Sunday morning. As I supposedly brought the gift of my worship, my prayers, thoughts, expressions of thanksgiving and praise to God with the other worshippers I found myself to be criticizing, finding fault, pointing out the flaws “they” all had. The man who sang too loud. There was the person with their hair dyed too many colors. The musicians missed a few notes, and some people got too excited. Then, there was the pastor. This is where I really got convicted, he was so young and he wasn’t very articulate, he stumbled over a few names as he read holy Scripture, and he was boring . I was criticizing like someone shooting arrows at a target. Then I heard Jesus ask , “why are you criticizing everyone? Why are you so intent on finding fault?”. “The measure you use will be used to measure you” (Luke 6:38)
My critical eye, my fault finding attitude is destructive. What I had to admit was that my attitude was not to assist or improve but only to bring others down so that I might elevate myself, feeling I was better than them. Oh, again I hear Jesus’ words, “he who exalts himself, shall be humbled”, “when you are invited to a feast, do not go and take a seat of honor, for one far more honorable than you may come, and you will be moved to the lowliest place “. “As you forgive you will be forgiven” (Matthew 6:14). I guess it follows, when you attack others through your fault finding and criticism, you shall be humbled, and embarrassed by your arrogance. As you bring shame you will experience the same.
I failed miserably in my self inspection this week. This attitude and behavior was ” precancerous and needed immediate attention. But, if like the dermatologist, I address the discoveries immediately, I will be glad I did. Now, the way to gladness or relief from the condemning truth I have discovered is to address it. Deal with it, honestly, and quickly. The resolution for this sin, and all other sin is found in honest confession, true repentance, genuine resolution, accepting or agreeing to the solution and treatment, and deliberate gratitude in response. After all, Lent is about getting ready to celebrate the greatest truth there ever was and ever will be, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, so that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
So, I am getting ready. I have heard the diagnosis, accepted the treatment plan, and I am preparing daily. Lent is helping me prepare, and Holy week is coming. I am even planning what to wear to this the greatest celebration of all time. The great jubilation on Easter Sunday will find me clothed in yellow, wearing a special yellow suit, a treasured gift that like spring , reminds me of new life, God’s gift of new life in his son. Come join the celebration.
Thanks for listening.
