Lots of people talk about giving things up for lent. That's not a totally bad thing - it's too easy to get in the habit of depending on things rather than God. By deliberately denying ourselves material things - chocolate, booze, tv etc, we remind ourselves that spiritual things are more important. We only do it for a season so we don't forget that 'things' are a gift from God to be enjoyed. However, self denial that makes us miserable and leads us to compensate by depending on other 'things' doesn't do a lot for our relationship with God.
Self denial that works means stripping away 'things' to make more space for God. Leaving aside things creates more time to pray, to read scripture or some other devotional book (this year I've given up computer games - that's a lot of free time!!!).
It's almost the end of lent as I write - so how's it gone? If I'm honest, not as well as I'd hoped. I've created the extra time, but not used it incredibly well. Looking back I realise that I'm not in an accountability relationship at the moment, so noones's been asking me how I'm doing. So I've managed to spend some extra time praying, but nowhere near enough.
The moral of the story is that I need accountability or I don't do well at personal devotions.
After Easter, the plan is to start rhythm of life groups - hopefully that will help me to be more focused.
Watch this space!
Monday, 18 April 2011
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