March 20, 2017

Faith Is A Lifetime Journey

24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. -- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Are you one of those people who gave up something for Lent? Some people choose to give up something -- such as chocolate or soda -- so that by depriving themselves they enjoy they might “suffer” a bit and feel closer to Jesus. Of course, this is nothing like Jesus went through for us.

The practice is good for what it is. But I have a question for you: If you’re going to make a change for Jesus, shouldn’t it be a permanent change?

We act like we’ll do this wonderful thing for 40 days -- Sundays don’t count -- and somehow we’re honoring our Savior for what He did for us. But I’m not sure how giving up chocolate really honors Jesus. Don’t get me wrong. It’s good for our health. But does it further God’s kingdom? Does it help anyone know Jesus? Does it draw us closer to Him?

Our faith journey isn’t meant to be a short excursion with a finish date set by us. It is rather a life-long journey that only ends when God calls us home. We should constantly be moving toward Jesus, toward being more like Him, toward learning more about Him, toward living more like Him.

So what could you give up for Jesus? Maybe you could give up anger. Maybe you could give up jealousy. Maybe you could move past greed. Maybe you could give up that focus on things of the world.

What could you do for Jesus? A popular thing is to pay for the order behind you in the drive thru line. You could take a meal to a family going through a tough time. You could visit with an elderly person. You could drive a sick friend to the doctor. There are many, many ways to be Jesus in a hurting world.

Giving up something for Lent is fine. Nothing wrong with it at all, especially if it makes you feel closer to Jesus. But remember that our faith journey isn’t a short 40-day sprint. It’s a long journey with our eye on a eternal crown of life.