The Christian season of Lent is fast approaching. The forty days of Lent are intended to be a time to focus on the final journey of Jesus to the cross and tomb. The season is typically identified with words like repentance, prayer, humility, sacrifice, commitment, and service. People in some traditions are invited to give up something as a symbolic gesture of how Jesus gave his life up for humanity.
I appreciate all that Lent seeks to accomplish for a person or church in our quest to be faithful followers of Jesus. I may be a bit odd but I typically do just the opposite during the time of Lent. Instead of giving up something I typically add something to my life. Sometimes the additions to my life are weekly efforts that are intended to enhance my life as a disciple of Jesus. One week I will add a particular prayer discipline to my day. Another week will be to read a particular book of the Bible for study and reflections. Another week is about sharing acts of kindness to others I encounter during the day. These are just a few samples of how I seek to add value to my life and faith. It is true that we can often add value by taking away things that distract us from the path of discipleship, but I have often found the act of "doing" helps me feel closer to God's presence.
The other component of this weekly process I engage in during Lent is a balance of introspective and interactive initiatives. Some weeks are intended to be more personal and introverted. Other weeks are intended to be more relational and extroverted. I think this gives balance to my life and my quest to mirror the ministry of Jesus.
I say all this about how I approach Lent because I am simply one Christian who is seeking to discern what discipleship means in both a theological and practical way. I am seeking to blend faith with works, and being with doing. I am constantly seeking to move beyond "knowing" what I need to be as a Christian and "practice" daily how I live into my Christian identity.
I have often used the metaphor of a toolbox for discipleship. Any mechanic is more effective with more tools in his or her toolbox. The same is true for Christians. The more Christian disciplines, acts of service, and ways of living the Christian life only enhance my abilities to be the more faithful in our task as Jesus' followers.
For me, Lent is more about addition than it is about subtraction. Maybe you will join me in the journey of adding to your life this Lenten season.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Chris Wilson
