March 2010

We have entered the season of Lent, 40 days prior to the annual remembrance of the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior Jesus. Traditionally this is a season for self examination. People usually think of it as a time to give up something but the purpose is to abstain or fast from a food or activity that we like is so that it will cause us to examine our own lives. It is not primarily about giving up chocolate or meat but practicing to find our deeper satisfaction in our relationship with Christ than in food or physical pleasure. John Piper observes that we most glorify God when we are most satisfied in him.

How do you know if you have grown spiritually in the past year, since Lent last year? It is not like standing by the door to check the mark on the wall to see if we have grown. How do we know? Do we see evidence of spiritual growth? Do those closest to us see any evidence?

We are working on a tool that will help us to evaluate growth. We hope to introduce it in the next couple of months. But here are some basic growth questions. Do I love God more today than I did a year ago, five years ago or ten years ago? Do I love my spouse more than I did a year ago? Is there more fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) showing in my life? Do I love my neighbor more? Am I more interested in God's Word and do I see it more as the means of relationship with God than a duty to be checked off? Do I choose more to be with God's people, not just to do something together but to grow together than I did last year? Do songs that worship God and make him look great show up more on my playlist? Is my heart changing from me centered to God and other centered? Do I sense more compassion for those in need than a year ago or is my heart more hardened? Do I care for those who believe in Jesus around the world? Am I more a giver than a taker than I was a year ago?

As another growth exercise, if you have not yet watched the movie "The Passion of the Christ," I recommend that you watch it between now and Resurrection Sunday. While its focus is on the physical suffering of Jesus, it can also remind us of his spiritual suffering when his Father turned his back on him for our sakes. I also recommend watching the movie "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" with your children. It shows the death of the lion Aslan in a way that can help us understand the death of Jesus. Let's grow together this month!