Sin, Sinners

How do you define sin? Literally, sin means “missing the mark.” Sin is the refusal to observe spiritual life practices; it's about self-centered living, rejection of God’s will, purposes and love offered freely to all humanity. It is a refusal to do what we were created to do and become what we were meant to become in Jesus Christ. More simply put, sin is anything we do that is contrary to God’s will and purpose for our lives. When we examine the life of Jesus whom we are called to follow as disciples, our failures, short-comings and sins become apparent.

Sinners? Yes, we are! That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote to the first century Christians in Rome, “For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

John wrote: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)

Addressing the reality of our sins is the first step toward more faithful living. The Lenten journey has the potential of leading us to claim all that God has in store for us through faith and leads us to claim the gift of redemption – restoration and reconciliation into a right relationship with God.

The Lenten Journey Begins

The Lenten journey has begun. It’s a season marked by many spiritual disciplines: prayer, soul searching, Bible and devotional readings, discernment, confession, and even sacrifice. The observance of Lent eventually leads us to the cross and its implications for our lives as Christians. A meaningful Lenten observance doesn't just happen; it’s hard work that requires practicing daily spiritual disciplines.

As the Ash Wednesday liturgy says, “I wish you a holy Lent.” Now it’s up to each of us to make it so. It would be helpful to ask each day during this season, "What will I do today to deepen my faith and gain greater clarity of God's purposes for my life?" To ask such a question can be life changing. But then, isn't that what the season of Lent is about?