If you are part of what is called a liturgical church, then you know what is coming up next week.
On Wednesday, we will begin the journey to Easter with the celebration of Ash Wednesday.
If you don’t share in this holy time, that’s okay, not everyone does. Ash Wednesday starts the season of Lent, which is the 40 days (not including Sundays) before Easter.
For many, Lent is a time of sacrifice. Many people will give up chocolate or drink or sweets. Some will take on new Bible studies and new missions. Many will not even realize there is anything significant going on.
Lent itself is a tradition that has been shared in some form or another since the first century. The 40 days by some accounts are to commemorate the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness.
Lent is not observed on Sunday because each Sunday is a little Easter and is a day of hope.
Now, I realize that this history lesson may be more than you probably want to know, but here is a challenge I want to offer up to you.
Starting this coming Wednesday do three things:
1: Join a Bible study group;
2: Make church THE priority; and
3: Bring one new person to church each of the next seven Sundays.
Traditionally, Lent is a time of giving something up. It is meant to be a time of reflection on the sins we have committed and the grace that God has poured out upon us. We give up things in order to focus more on God. This isn’t a bad practice and is actually quite spiritual.
But why not expand it? Why not take it to a whole new level?
I mean, instead of focusing on our sins, why not show God’s love and grace to others?
Instead of giving something up, why not help grow your church? Instead of depending on someone to tell you what the Bible says, why not find out for yourself?
Lent is about people getting closer to God. Lent could be that time when you can help someone know Christ. Rather than focusing on the sorrow of our sins, why not show the joy of following Christ?
I know that in the coming months there will be many things that can get in the way of church and Bible study. I know that you may feel uncomfortable with inviting people to church. Let me assure you that if you let people know how important God is to you, they will listen.
You see, ultimately it is all about love.
We remember the 40 days Christ spent in the wilderness because of his love. We remember his sacrifice on the cross, because of his love. We need to remember those who don’t know Christ or who don’t have a church home, because Christ loves them too.
I pray that during this Lenten season, you will find yourself closer to Christ, deeper in his word and more willing to put God first in all things.
I’ll see you in church.
Rev. Kent Wilfong is pastor at the United Methodist Church, Doniphan/Neelyville.