We Have It Backwards

Lent is a time to subdue our physical nature in the hope that our oft forgotten spiritual nature will be brought to the surface, refined, and begin producing more fruit in our lives. Whether you're fasting, or abstaining from something, or taking on a new spiritual discipline, more than likely some "dross" has bubbled up to the surface.

That's a good thing!

If you find yourself "hangry" during fasting, or irritated because you're missing your favorite screen time, take heart: He's doing a mighty work in your life. If you've decided to spend extra time reading the Bible and praying, but distractions are a dime a dozen, take heart: the Evil One has decided you're a threat and wants to do something about it. He leaves us alone if we're not doing anything worthwhile for the Kingdom of God. Follow the example of Jesus with a quick, "Get behind me, Satan!" and carry on.

We've gotten it wrong in our culture for a long time: "we are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience."* Lent is a perfect time to remember that these mortal bodies will fade away, but our souls will not.

Remember that you are dust and to dust you will return.

Keep moving forward in that dusty body and He will breathe new life into you again.

*Attributed to Teilhard de Chardin