2016 Belmont University Lenten GuideSample

The Lenten Season is a time of reflection, confession and preparation.

However, what if I told you my two greatest sins are adultery and amnesia?

In today’s readings from 1 Corinthians, Paul warns the believers to beware of falling into the temptation of unfaithfulness caused by forgetfulness. I cannot speak for everyone, but as for myself, it is precisely in the times that I begin to think that I am a “good Christian,” that I fall into the traps of temptation the most. I appreciate the goodness of where God has brought me, but I purposely forget to acknowledge the mess of where I was before now. In this ignorance, I forget that God is the one who brought me out of the mess, so I fail to give God the glory and credit, rather I devote my adoration to myself, a friend, or a pastor. This forgetfulness causes me to become unfaithful. My amnesia leads to my adultery.

Today I speak Paul’s warning to you: do not forget where you have come from and the one who led you to where you are now. When you find yourself comfortable in your Spiritual walk, take heed, for “if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12 NRSV). One sure way to avoid falling into this temptation is to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness. Like David does throughout the Psalms, keep record of God’s provision, protection, love and forgiveness. Continually reflect on it and allow it to produce a song of praise from within you. Confess when you forget and become prideful or unfaithful. And prepare your hearts to receive Christ’s forgiveness in a new way that does not allow you to graduate from the awe of deliverance through grace.

HAYDEN MCDANIEL
Sophomore
Faith and Social Justice