Making Some Sacrifices for Lent

Below is a record and the text of an article Pastor Rudiger wrote for The Clarion News. 

I find it hard to believe that we’re already in the month of February. I know that time flies when you’re having fun, but this is ridiculous. It seems as though we were just celebrating Christmas. And now we’re about to enter the Season of Lent, that time set aside so that we can prepare ourselves for Easter. Of course, part of that preparation has traditionally involved making some kind of personal sacrifice to get us ready to focus on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. And that really makes sense. You see, it was thought that giving up ice cream or candy would help us identify with the sacrifice Christ made on the cross and the sheer joy of eating two scoops of cookies and cream with a Snickers bar after forty days of nothing might approximate the joy we should feel knowing that the tomb was empty. At least, I think that’s been what folks assumed would happen.

And you know, personally, I think they were probably right. But rather than focusing on stuff like desserts or snacks, maybe we should ramp up the sacrifice with something a little more challenging and definitely more beneficial to those around us. And so, with that in mind, let me share with you three things I’ll be giving up for Lent.

First, for forty days, I’ve decided to stop complaining. In other words, I’m going to be intentional in following the advice Paul offered to the Philippians when he wrote, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Then you will be the pure and innocent children of God. You live among people who are crooked and evil, but you must not do anything they can say is wrong. Try to shine as lights among the people of this world, as you hold firmly to the message that gives life. Then on the day when Christ returns, I can take pride in you. I can also know that my work and efforts were not useless.” [Philippians 2:14-16, CEV] Of course, I recognize that making this decision won’t reduce all the reasons I seem to have to be ticked off. I mean, don’t get me started on the transfer portal. Still, if I manage to stop complaining for a while, maybe I’ll learn the  importance of patience, and I’ll actually start appreciating what I already have a lot more.

And second, I’ve also decided to stop assuming for Lent. But let me be clear; the assumptions I’m talking about don’t involve things like assuming that the two perpendicular cars are going to stop at the red light. Instead, I’m going to stop assuming that, since I already know everything I need to know about a particular issue, it’s right and good to avoid and ignore anyone who might suggest that there may be something else I need to consider. You see, for the next forty days, I’m going to apply words from the writer of the Proverbs when he said, “Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor. It's stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen." [Proverbs 18:12-13, CEV]. You see, maybe if I’m able to put aside making these assumptions for forty days, I’ll actually be able to grow in both my knowledge and my wisdom.

And third, with the help of God, I’m going to take a break from condemning. Of course, I recognize that the targets of my condemnation have always been fairly selective anyway, with me being very gracious and understanding of people I admire and support while coming down on those I look down upon like white on rice. But for Lent, I’m going to offer a little grace to everybody. As a matter of fact, I’m going to try my best to follow some pretty good advice offered by a person I respect more than anyone else. You see, “Jesus said: Don't judge others, and God won't judge you. Don't be hard on others, and God won't be hard on you. Forgive others, and God will forgive you. If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.” [Luke 6:37-38, CEV] Now that’s what I’m going to remember. And who knows, maybe if I stop wasting so much of my energy condemning people I don’t even know, then I’ll have a lot more time praising the one who knows me too well and just plain loves me anyway.

And so, with Lent coming up, this is what I’ve decided to do. But frankly, I hope that after the forty days, I don’t go back to doing the same old stuff I’ve done before. I mean, imagine how much better and more focused my life would be if I’m able to complain and to assume and to condemn a whole lot less than I do now. And just imagine how much better those who are closest to me will feel if I’m appreciating and growing and praising more. It staggers the imagination. As a matter of fact, the only thing that I think might actually be better for the world around me is if I didn’t make these Lenten sacrifices alone.