“Lent affords us the opportunity to search the depths of our sin and experience the heights of God’s love.” ~ Chuck Colson
When playing limbo, we often hear the chant, “How low can you go?” In that regard, going low can be a good thing. As a matter of fact, it is a winning move. But going low isn’t always a good thing or the right thing. When we bring ourselves low in the depravity of sin, our souls are weighed down, they are overburdened, and they can lose sight of the One Who can raise us from our sin.
Lent can be a huge burden if done properly because, as Colson reflects, it challenges us to search the depths of our sin. Many of us don’t want to go there. We don’t want to acknowledge our sin let alone search for its roots. But if we do not find the roots of our sins, we will not be able to rid ourselves of that which keeps us from God.
We might tackle the external nature of a sin but leave the roots of the sin intact. This is the same as attempting to pull out a weed but breaking the root and leaving some of it in the ground. After weeding, the ground may look pristine; but, the root is already busy generating shoots which will soon break the ground and continue to choke off the plants.
Only when we address the depths of our sin will we truly be able to experience the heights of God’s love. Is it painful? Yes. Does it potentially involve suffering? Yes. Will sacrifices need to be made? Yes. Is it necessary? Absolutely.
Don’t be afraid. Look down. Search for the roots of your sins so that you may rid yourself of them.
FAITH ACTION: Ask God for His aid as you attempt to look deep within to identify the nature of your sin.
Remember: Fridays of Lent are Days of Abstinence