A Time to Weed
“If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13b)
Yesterday marked the start of the Lenten season in the church calendar. While not a festival commanded in Scripture (and we wouldn’t want to legalistically insist others observe “special days and months and seasons” while we’re studying Galatians! [see 4:10]), there is value in setting aside a number of weeks each year for the purpose of self-examination, confession, and repentance. After all, “the whole life of believers should be one of repentance,” as Luther pointed out in the first of those 95 Theses nailed to Wittenberg’s door. If our lives should be marked by continual repentance, there would be great wisdom in dedicating focused time to the work each year.
In a happy coincidence, Lent falls for us during the last days of winter and those first days of spring, long before the fear of frost has wholly abated. I say that’s a happy coincidence because one doesn’t plant when there’s still danger of frost—but one may certainly prepare the garden beds for the coming flowers, fruits, and vegetables (and the boldest among us might even start growing some plants from seed in the warmth of the indoors). That’s a perfect picture of Lent’s purpose.
Lent is a time to weed: a time to prepare the soil beds of our hearts for righteousness to grow. We root out habits of thought, speech, and action that would choke the tender shoots of the Spirit’s fruits. We break up the unyielding clay of a heart hardened to God’s good purposes and cast out stones of habitual sin. We might even (the boldest among us, at least) cultivate new habits from seed in prayer, bringing them into the light and warmth of God’s Word and God’s people.
Make the most of this season. Ask God to direct your reflection. Would he have you give up some waste or undiscipline or distraction or even outright rebellion? Consider how you spend your time, your money, your energy. Take a hard look at your smartphone, your media consumption, your social media posts.
And as you do, fix your eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of your faith, who endured the cross to secure your salvation. Even the work of repentance is all of grace, not frenetic boot-strap striving. For those who are interested, we have a resource that can help you and/or your family focus on Jesus and experience this season intentionally. Take Up Your Cross is our Lenten devotional for individuals, couples, or even families with older children in the home, and includes questions for reflection or discussion. We also have a Family Edition that aims at a lower level and includes fun activities to reinforce the lessons being taught. I pray this season, and perhaps this devotional, will be a blessing to you.