Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of preparation as we look forward to Easter. We use the days of Lent for self-examination and prayer to get us ready to celebrate the most important event in all of human history – the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a wonderful and glorious event in the truest sense of the word. It occurs to me, though, as wonderful and glorious as the resurrection is, in order to have one, there must first be a death, and death is anything but wonderful and glorious.
From Death to Life
Death is painful, sorrowful, and difficult. We don’t like to talk about it or think about it, either for ourselves or for those whom we love. Yet, for all of its misery and abhorrence, Jesus was clear that death is the inescapable path to life. The only way we can know the glory of the resurrection is to die.
But before we experience that final death and resurrection, I think Jesus wants us to practice the art of dying well. Not physically, of course – we only experience that once. Rather, I think Jesus wants us to get ready for our ultimate death and resurrection by dying a thousand deaths to ourselves all along the way. Some are big, and some are small, but in each situation, we must make the fundamental decision: will I choose to live according to my own strength, wisdom, and desires, or will I follow Jesus in faith and die to myself?
Dying to Self
When I find myself in a conflict with my spouse or co-worker, will I insist on getting my own way? Or will I die to self and seek what is best for everyone? When temptation is strong, will I indulge my flesh, or will I die to self and be open to the power of the Holy Spirit? When presented with the choice of giving or acquiring, will I choose to look after myself first, or will I make sacrifices for the sake of others and the gospel? When the call to follow Gim is very clear in my life, perhaps even vocationally, will I take the safe route, or will I obey my Master and die to self?
This, I believe, is an especially pertinent question for these days because we are living in a time of self-preservation. The uncertainty of an election, the possibility of armed conflict, and the ever-looming threat of a downturn in the economy can bring out the sense that I must take care of myself. I must do whatever is necessary to make sure my life (or is it lifestyle) is preserved. In our culture, it is easy to confuse the two. I was shocked to hear just the other day of a Sunday school class that is preparing for possible social and economic meltdown by hoarding food, fuel, and even ammunition, all in the name of self-preservation.
Out of the Ashes
The temptation of Peter is always with us, isn’t it? “Never, Lord, this shall never happen to you,” has become “Never, Lord, this shall never happen to me, shall it?”
Instead of that approach, let’s use this Ash Wednesday to change our thinking: let the imposition of the ashes remind you that death is the way to life. Resist the temptation to focus on saving your life and use this Lenten season to practice the discipline of dying to self.
Begin each day in the season of Lent by reminding yourself of the words of Jesus – “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.”
As we walk in faith and choose to believe the words of Jesus instead of working at self-preservation, there is no doubt we will experience the pain of death. But more importantly, there is also no doubt that we will know the power and truth of resurrection to the real and abundant life that only Jesus can give.
The results are in, and we have so many amazing ways to share with you how God has used the entire ILI Global family including all the leaders and alumni to make an impact on the spread of the Gospel in 2022.