Hold Fast To Him
“Self-denial means knowing only Christ and no longer oneself. It means seeing only Christ, who goes ahead of us, and no longer the path that is too difficult for us. Self-denial is saying only: He goes ahead of us; hold fast to him.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
There was something that I always did when I was young and something that I didn’t like at all when I was older and teaching in schools. That would be the week or so before long vacations or the summer holiday. Young students generally “turn off” about a week or so before a long break. Teachers become so frustrated because, no matter how hard they try to engage their students, it’s almost impossible to work with them. That is why so many classrooms turn to videos or hands-on projects.
That is a real part of human nature. When a break comes along, we begin to get excited about it. So excited, in fact, that we start to disengage in whatever it is we are supposed to be doing: school for students or work for employees. It’s very difficult for teachers or employers to get the most out of their people days before vacation time.
That could very well be happening to you right now. We are close to Easter. So close, in fact, that there are no longer weeks left to Lent. Instead, there’s just a couple of days. Some might see Easter as being so close that they give up their Lenten resolutions and bask in the glow of early-Easter.
These last couple of days of Lent are crucial days. These are the days when we show the Lord that our resolve is personal and serious. When we continue to remain true to our Lenten promises, they become great gifts to God.
These days are not that difficult if we remember the key ingredient. Bonhoeffer reminds us that we can do it as long as we remain close to God.
FAITH ACTION: Ask God to help you hold firm to your Lenten resolve these last days before Easter.