At the core of its theme and purpose, Lent is a journey towards the cross, or a journey of preparation. A key element of preparation is discipline. Knowing this, Lent is a journey into discipline, as we proceed forward through 40 days of preparing for the cross.

There are so many spiritual practices that we can engage in; thinking specifically of the season of Lent, we can point our attention to these disciplines as we reflect and prepare for a time of recognizing Christ's sacrifice. Jesus uses phrases like "When you pray," and "When you give to the poor," showing us the assumption is that we will already be regularly engaging in spiritual disciplines. As we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, we sacrifice in much smaller ways, actively seeking to be more compassionate, loving, merciful, and generous.

But this isn't just about practicing these actions and habits so that people will recognize our sacrifice. After all, Jesus calls out performative service and actions as hypocritical. We aren't supposed to be serving and reflecting to be noticed. So Lent is also a journey of authenticity; as we give our own resources, time, and energy to practices that better the world and ourselves, we are giving God our hearts. And in giving, we are transformed.

ReNew Community Worship Service

Speaker: Aaron Vis

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21

http://bible.com/events/48867218