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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topic of Christian journey and the “Conquest of Canaan”
in the previous months, now in the month of March, considering that
we are in the season of Lent, I intend to focus on the subject- “Lent season”.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
1st Lent Day
First things first - No seasonal affair please..
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross daily
and follow me.” -
Luke 9:23
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If the purpose of beginning the period of Lent with a solemn Ash Wednesday service
(I shall dwell upon tomorrow) was with the noble motive (way back in about sixth century AD)
of encouraging Christians to spend the following 40 days in serious introspection, then has
it ever occurred to us that in the hands of the great deceiver
(II Cor 11:5), the season of
lent can denigrate into something very dangerous? ONE OF MERE SEASONAL HOLINESS, during which
devil could deceive us into thinking that we need be holy only during the lent season.
I would not point an accusing finger at anyone but when it comes to this kind of deception,
I would be the first to admit that I was the victim of such devilish deception during my nominal
Christianity days. Oh, how I used to pride in not seeing movies during the season of lent,
only to go back to them with compounded rate of interest after lent! That sin is a sin is a sin;
it cannot be indulged in at any time was an anathema to me in those days, when I was living faraway
from my Lord.
A Christian who is already walking a holy life, would be better served in taking positively positive
resolutions during Lenten season (taking up new challenges for the Lord for instance like one of
putting more evangelistic efforts or contributing more to Christian causes during Lent) rather
than merely quitting some legitimate joys such as the marital or the culinary ones’.
However, if we see any Christian doing the latter religiously, we have no right to criticize
him (Romans 14:1-12). Mind you, as regards illegitimate pleasures, we cannot indulge in
them at any time leave alone during Lent! By the same token, if there are really any sins
(we have to go by God’s yardstick to discern what is a sin or not, for some certain actions
may be sin, while it may be not for others’, depending on their maturity –
Romans 14:22-23)
besetting our lives, what better time than to turn our backs to them PERMANENTLY, than now!
If we do that, Lenten season would have accomplished its purpose.
Holiness cannot be changed like clothes with onset of a new season
(be it summer, winter or monsoon), rather for a Christian it needs to donned on daily basis
(II Cor 6:17).
As the above-captioned scripture portion bears out, our Lord did not call us for seasonal
cross-bearing business!
Prayer:
Father, we simply commit ourselves into thy hands to live a life surrendered and consecrated
unto thee all our lives. During Lent enable us to achieve something new for thee, which is
positively positive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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