Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year! As we move into a new year, I am excited to
continue our journey in discipleship together. Our culture has a tradition of New
Year’s resolutions, by which a person pledges to him or her self to improve
their personal lives in the coming year. As Christians, we have a similar
tradition to strengthen our faith each year by focusing on Christian discipline
during the season of Lent. I would like to encourage you to join me in Lenten
discipline this year.
The
difference between New Year’s resolutions and Lenten discipline is the goal. New
Year’s resolutions are often personal goals, such as learning a new skill or
seeking to lose five pounds. You usually seek to make yourself what you
conceive to be a better person. Lenten discipline opens new opportunities for
God to work in our lives. You seek to allow God to make you a better disciple.
A
fast may allow new space for God to bring grace into our lives. Unlike a new
year’s resolution, a fast is not a permanent change, but a temporary period of
abstention from something in order to re-order your life towards God. A fast
reminds us that “one does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes
from the mouth of the Lord” (Deuteronomy 8:3). If you are physically able, you
may refrain from food for a time, like during daylight hours on Wednesdays or
Fridays. Or you may fast from other things, like your TV watching time, your
use of Facebook, or your weekly round of golf. It doesn’t need to be something
that is “bad” for you, simply something that will free up extra time each week
for you to spend time with God.
To
that end, you may substitute a Christian discipline in place of your fast. You may
spend the time studying the scripture or make a commitment to Sunday School or
Bible study. You may spend the time in prayer. You may dedicate some hours to
an after-school program or to Clemson Community Care. Whatever direction God
leads you, the goal is enriched discipleship and deeper life in the Word of
God, Jesus Christ. So make one of your New Year’s resolutions to follow a
Lenten discipline this year.
