Many Christians see Lent as a time to work on their piety and faith. It’s like New Year’s for many. At St. James, we like to set out some challenges regarding worship attendance, daily scripture reading, prayer and fasting, etc.
These are good things and follow our Lord’s command to His church to teach and preach His words. St. Paul also tells us to discipline our bodies and set our minds on things above. These are good things because they truly bless our lives!
However, someone else is working on us as well during Lent; God. St. Paul tells us in Ephesians, “For it is by grace you have been saved, not by works.” How comforting to know that our salvation is completely and solely in His hands, not ours. In fact, in Ephesians chapter 1, St. Paul tells us that we were chosen before the foundation of the world! Get your head around that.
St. Paul also tells us that we are God’s workmanship. He doesn’t just save us and then we have to keep our salvation. God has a Lenten project as well – You. He feeds us through His Word and sacraments. He sets good works in front of us and leads us by the Holy Spirit to do them.
While we stumble through our good desire to grow in Christ, God does not stumble or sleep. He’s got us, from baptism to the grave. He will not fail. Perhaps this is the greatest thing you can realize during Lent, your weakness and His strength!
Ultimately, this Lent, may you discover the peace of knowing you are God’s workmanship and not the other way around!
