Reshape Your Vision
“The kingdom of God ought to reshape our vision of what matters.” ~ Russell D. Moore
I know that this might be an oversimplification of sorts but I would posit that Lenten practices might be divided into two categories of people: those who make sacrifices throughout the season and focus solely upon themselves while doing so and those who make sacrifices throughout the season and focus upon others while doing so.
There are those who cannot seem to get past themselves. When they do Lenten practices — extra prayers, works of mercy, fasting and abstaining — they tend to think about what it is doing to them. They begrudge the “extra work” that they have to do. They complain about being hungry on days of fast. They groan about having to give up meat on Fridays. In short, their works don’t really get them anywhere because they never move past their own thoughts and feelings.
There are others who might experience the same things. They do extra work but think about the people they are serving. They get hungry when they fast but realize that there are many who do not have enough to eat and that realization prompts them to pray for the starving. They give up meat on Fridays and remember that Fridays are supposed to be days of penance throughout the year and make a plan to do something on Fridays even after Lent is finished. Their Lenten practices move them outside of themselves so that they have a better understanding of the plight of others.
“The kingdom of God ought to reshape our vision of what matters.” If we enter the season of Lent the right way, our vision will become more focused on others and less on ourselves. That is a very good thing because God wants us to care for one another. It is hard to care for someone if we do not recognize them and their needs. Too often we go through life focused on our own wants and needs and fail to remember or realize that there are many people out there who are much more in need.
Remembering that God dwells in His people, allow Lent to help you remove your eyes from yourself so that you may better focus on those around you.
FAITH ACTION: Make sure that the Lenten practices you do help you to focus more clearly upon God.