I’m not sure how to feel about Lent. Growing up I wasn’t the biggest fan. What 7-year-old wants to go over a month without candy? But as faith started becoming a central part of my life, I started to appreciate the intention of Lent much more.

For 40 days, we are called to introspection, repentance, and devotion. We’re meant to focus our eyes on Jesus, our need for Him, and our need for salvation.

Like with so many gifts intended to pull us closer to God, we tend to mess Lent up too. Many of us often miss the point all together. What’s the first thing you think of when you think about Lent? ...‘What are you giving up?’

Somehow we manage to reduce all the symbology and intention down to that one question. As we set goals, find loop-holes, and fall short, the focus shifts away from Jesus and toward ourselves. It turns from "I need Jesus’ help" into "I need to help myself."

Last Sunday in High School CREW we watched a video in which a pastor was asked, “What’s one thing you wish you knew about Jesus when you were in high school?” His answer speaks to the heart of the problem and applies far beyond high school: “I knew that he loved me despite my sin – that had been drilled into my head. But I think I believed that he loved me more when I did better.”

Too often Lenten resolutions lead to the place where we ask "how can I do better so Jesus will love me more?" When used the right way, fasting, abstinence, and goal-setting help us rely on the Lord for strength – walking closer to Him. But used poorly, they lead us to pride, shame, and condemnation. Judging ourselves through the world’s eyes, not God’s. Even if anchored in the knowledge that we are deeply loved by Jesus, the idea creeps in that we still have to earn it.

Jesus died for your sins. He already proved how much He loves you. He did it “while we were still sinners,” and no amount of good could ever be enough to save yourself. As the pastor in the video continued: “He loves me because I’m covered in the righteousness of Christ, not a righteousness of my own. Therefore he will never love me more or never love me less.”

We’re called to live in response to His love rather than gain it. Only after realizing this love do we start to live in response. Not to earn it, not to barter it, not to manipulate God... but because we love Him.

God bless you!

Mark