Lent has arrived. Many focus on spiritual things by “giving something up for Lent.” This practice can be useful if it helps us focus on what matters most.

But giving up movies, coffee, chocolate, alcohol, or anything is relatively easy. Jesus invites us to do something far more drastic. He does not ask us to give up something, but ourselves.

Human beings are not wired for this. We excel at being selfish and asserting ourselves.

Our way of living is not Jesus’ way. He does not want us to deny ourselves because he wants to hurt us or rob us of anything, but because he wants to heal us. Jesus does not want you to have a cheap imitation of real life – an earthly life that is trying to hide the reality of sin and death. Jesus wants you to be set free from the bondage and slavery of sin to enjoy the glorious freedom of life in his Kingdom.

So today, Ash Wednesday, we repent. We confess to our God our failures and our willingness to live like this world is our home. Today we admit that by ourselves we are trapped in selfishness that is directed at others and, worse, causes us to ignore God.

But as we repent, we do not stop with confession. We also turn to our gracious Savior and trust his promises. He takes away our sin. He gives us clean hearts and renews a right spirit within us. His forgiveness is real, and it is ours through faith.

As we give up our sinful selves, we find our new selves in Jesus. His love fills us and shapes us. We live in the peace of forgiveness and with the desire to turn from sin to live a full life – a God-pleasing life of service.

This Lenten season, be renewed as you look to Christ and see all that he has done for you.

John 12:23–25 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Pastor Aufdemberge

Pastor Kneser

Pastor Wempner

Pastor Zarling