September 19th, 2024

Matthew 6:16-18 New Living Translation
And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.

I have been asked in the pasted, what is the season of Lent in the church? Lent is a season of reflection and sacrifice. Lent is also a time of life and promise. So many people begin the Lenten journey to Easter with the custom of giving up something they feel is holding them back from a more profound and more vital faith in their lives. For some of us, it’s something silly like Girl Scout cookies (even if they are your favorite.)  But for far more many than you think, it’s something much deeper, pulling them away and holding them back from a faith and life they can only dream of. We give up things during the Lenten season to remind ourselves of the suffering and pain that we know Jesus will experience at the end of the season when we observe Holy Week and the crucifixion. We also give up things to be reminded of our dependence on God. The primary purpose of “giving up” stuff in Lent is to bring us closer to God, prioritize God, put God in our minds and lives, and make God the focal point. There is no need to tell everybody what you’ve given up for Lent–if you’ve given up anything. Keep it secret. It’s between you and God. 

I want to challenge all of you to something. I challenge you to pick up one of the many books out there that speak over the writings and/or theology of John Wesley. Read a little every day during this season of life. Grow in your understanding of the founder and the methodist movement. Then, choose to seek to understand what it means to you to be a Methodist. As we spend this time growing in our faith and understanding who we are, we are bound to see how Christ impacted John’s life and how he speaks to us today. I leave you with this final thought from scripture. 

2 Peter 3: 17-18 New Living Translation
 You already know these things, dear friends. So be on guard; then you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.