Pastor’s Blog – March 2011

I was recently pouring through a bunch of essays, articles and the like that I saved to my computer from various on-line newsletters and websites. Tucked in the middle of one such literary offering was a thought offered by Mark Johnson, a pastor in Lexington, KY. It was only a quick thought in support of his central thesis, but it caught my eye and imagination, provoking a train of thought that I will share. The essay dealt with “the spirituality of subtraction” as a path for those immersed in our affluent society to better allow for spiritual growth during the season of Lent. As he gave suggestions for simplifying life as we know it, Mark included the statement “I believe if we had no electricity, we would immediately stop complaining about how little time we had.”

With Advent fading in the rear view mirror, we approach the other most significant season on the Christian calendar. Although not as much associated with busy-ness, financial layout or other stresses common to Advent, Lent does present a challenge to the committed Christian, as well as opportunities for significant deepening in understandings of our faith and our God. Much of the challenge in our culture is grounded in adding new opportunities for spiritual growth when our time is already a premium. It is at this juncture that the spirituality of subtraction comes into play. The idea of cleaning out a corner of our lives so that something of eternal value might be added makes “giving up something for Lent” a useful enterprise, rather than a silly, valueless tradition. When we add to the equation the fact that so much of our time is devoted to that which is electronic in genre, we can readily see the truth to the above quote.

Well, this is just another way of framing what has become a decades-old issue in the spiritual lives of affluent Christians like us. We often become slave to the very things that provide convenience, entertainment, information, and other things that could make the quality of our lives better. We often depend on that which is not God to fill the void which, by nature and design, only God can fill. Might an intentional media-free evening be a good thing; to be disconnected from TV, Email, iPods, Face book, Internet, etc? Might connecting with scripture, or other family members and/or friends; or writing a note of encouragement or congratulations; or preparing a cake, a meal, or other thoughtful gift for someone who needs it, be worthwhile gifts of your time and intentions during the Lenten season. I have already begun asking myself “Who might benefit from my commitment to unplug?” Not only I, but, as I invest in a focused time for spiritual development and faithful witness, those with whom I share my daily life will also be blessed. And it can happen without adding any hours to the day!

I will be interested in your sharing with me what commitments your Lenten season will hold, so that we might all be mutually encouraging as we journey towards the cross, resurrection day, and all that our Lord has waiting for us.

Blessings,
Pastor John