These Last Days
by Ann Reed
During these “ last days” of Covid, many of us (me, of course) have found ourselves slipping into some bad habits. Habits, that under normal situations, would have never even been considered. For instance, I might be guilty of picking up a shirt and thinking, “ I haven’t really worn it out of the house; I’ll wear it again” — for the third time! I scavenge socks. You might even find a spoon in the living room. I know, because as I sit here, I’m looking at it. I’m not on a strict schedule for cleaning the bathroom and the list goes on. These horrible habits being formed are a slippage into teenage behaviors, things I know better than to do. But it seems, in this present time, to be easier to not do what I know is right.
This is how sin grabs us. We get tired, we get complacent, we get lazy. How easy is it to grab church online while in our pj’s, making breakfast, planning our day, glancing at the screen occasionally? IT IS EASY. Pretty soon, the “more important things” as the Bible references in Philippians 1:9-11, fall to the wayside to be picked up later, if we get around to it.
Normally during Lent, one might give something up for 40 days so that more time can be spent concentrating on God. Depending on how serious the person is depends on how meaningful the experience can be. Several people from church have chosen to do this.
When considering what I might give up for Lent, it just felt like I have been in such a long season of having to let go of things. Things that have always meant such a great deal, but that God was now choosing for me to let loose of them. As in many of our seasons of growth, there is a time of self-denial and of dryness. This seems to be necessary in order for us to look to God for our answers and direction. How much better is a cool drink of water after being thirsty for a time?
So...during this season of Lent, even if we have not been lead to “let go” of something, if we have not been lead to “remain in this place”, let’s follow Christ to the cross. As painful as it can be, it is only at the cross where we find our redemption. The sacrifice wasn’t just for others, but it was specifically for me. It was my sin that was covered and I need never to forget the debt that was paid.
The old hymns says, When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. - - -
The only thing I brought to this great salvation plan was my sin. Everything else was Christ. The only acceptable response is to bow before Him.
During these “ last days” of Covid, many of us (me, of course) have found ourselves slipping into some bad habits. Habits, that under normal situations, would have never even been considered. For instance, I might be guilty of picking up a shirt and thinking, “ I haven’t really worn it out of the house; I’ll wear it again” — for the third time! I scavenge socks. You might even find a spoon in the living room. I know, because as I sit here, I’m looking at it. I’m not on a strict schedule for cleaning the bathroom and the list goes on. These horrible habits being formed are a slippage into teenage behaviors, things I know better than to do. But it seems, in this present time, to be easier to not do what I know is right.
This is how sin grabs us. We get tired, we get complacent, we get lazy. How easy is it to grab church online while in our pj’s, making breakfast, planning our day, glancing at the screen occasionally? IT IS EASY. Pretty soon, the “more important things” as the Bible references in Philippians 1:9-11, fall to the wayside to be picked up later, if we get around to it.
Normally during Lent, one might give something up for 40 days so that more time can be spent concentrating on God. Depending on how serious the person is depends on how meaningful the experience can be. Several people from church have chosen to do this.
When considering what I might give up for Lent, it just felt like I have been in such a long season of having to let go of things. Things that have always meant such a great deal, but that God was now choosing for me to let loose of them. As in many of our seasons of growth, there is a time of self-denial and of dryness. This seems to be necessary in order for us to look to God for our answers and direction. How much better is a cool drink of water after being thirsty for a time?
So...during this season of Lent, even if we have not been lead to “let go” of something, if we have not been lead to “remain in this place”, let’s follow Christ to the cross. As painful as it can be, it is only at the cross where we find our redemption. The sacrifice wasn’t just for others, but it was specifically for me. It was my sin that was covered and I need never to forget the debt that was paid.
The old hymns says, When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of Glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride. - - -
The only thing I brought to this great salvation plan was my sin. Everything else was Christ. The only acceptable response is to bow before Him.
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