Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
This is one of the questions members of the Holy Club asked one another when they met together. How have I been a hypocrite today - how can I do better tomorrow? Who do you trust enough to let them ask you a question like this?
The Holy Club fasted at least once a week on Fridays (and sometimes on Wednesdays too). a fast meant nothing to eat after supper on Thursday until late afternoon Friday - missing breakfast, lunch and snacks in between. They were allowed to drink water.
The aim of fasting is to deny worldly pleasures to focus more clearly on God and spend time praying and meditating on the Bible.
My version of fasting for Lent has two aspects:
Fasting from food on Wednesdays and Fridays. I still drink tea and coffee as well as water (I'm not sure John Wesley would have approved).
I'm also denying myself television - only allowing myself one hour a day (except when Leeds United are on TV or England play in the Six nations). I'm too hooked on TV and need to free up my time.
By doing this, I make more space in my life to hear God speaking to me. Conscious that I've been going through a fairly dry time spiritually in recent weeks and I need to hear God better. I'm trying to get the values without being obsessed.
My Bible passage for today to meditate on is Luke 18:9-14
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