Several weeks before the start...
Illustration
Several weeks before the start of Lent, the Sunday school class was discussing what they might give up during Lent. There were the usual responses like desserts or chocolate, even certain types of vegetables were suggested among the chuckles.
Ron explained that he wanted to give up something significant in his life. He surprised himself and the rest of the class when he said he would not watch television at all during the six weeks of Lent. Others questioned him, "What about college basketball and March Madness?" Another person asked about the evening news. Still another asked if that meant he would not be renting any movies during Lent. Ron shrugged off the comments. He was serious about giving up television.
The first couple of days were no problem for Ron; he was busy with other things. By the weekend, he wished he could watch some programs, thinking maybe he should have given up something else.
By the second week, Ron began reading a book on prayer that had been on his shelf for at least ten years. He had always wanted to read it, but never had the time. Instead of reading only a couple of scripture verses a day as he had been, he began a more systematic approach to reading the Bible. When help was needed with various projects around the church and community, Ron volunteered since he now had free time and wanted to help.
That Lent changed Ron's life as he drew closer to Jesus by removing some time-consuming clutter from his life. Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
Ron explained that he wanted to give up something significant in his life. He surprised himself and the rest of the class when he said he would not watch television at all during the six weeks of Lent. Others questioned him, "What about college basketball and March Madness?" Another person asked about the evening news. Still another asked if that meant he would not be renting any movies during Lent. Ron shrugged off the comments. He was serious about giving up television.
The first couple of days were no problem for Ron; he was busy with other things. By the weekend, he wished he could watch some programs, thinking maybe he should have given up something else.
By the second week, Ron began reading a book on prayer that had been on his shelf for at least ten years. He had always wanted to read it, but never had the time. Instead of reading only a couple of scripture verses a day as he had been, he began a more systematic approach to reading the Bible. When help was needed with various projects around the church and community, Ron volunteered since he now had free time and wanted to help.
That Lent changed Ron's life as he drew closer to Jesus by removing some time-consuming clutter from his life. Jesus said, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me."
