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Let Others See How You Follow Jesus
CHICAGO, IL (March 25, 2005) - In preparation for Easter, Covenant
Communications is publishing a series of online devotionals, gleaned
from the more than 250 local church newsletters received each month and
used with permission of the writers. The following devotional comes from
pastor Steve Wong of Grace Community Covenant Church in Los Altos,
California.
By Steve Wong
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the
glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
How do people know that you're a follower of Jesus? For that matter,
how do you know that you're a follower of Jesus?
Followers of Jesus have been observing a season of preparation for
Easter (which we now call Lent) since the early days of the church.
Easter had become an especially significant day for baptisms, and the
church community joined with the baptismal candidates in preparing for
this special rite through practices such as fasting. It had nothing to
do with school holidays, and stores didn't hold special Lenten sales
(interestingly, they still don't). It was all about being part of a
community of faith.
Not only does participation in observances shape others' understanding
of who we are, but our actions also help to shape our own understanding
of who we are. Some scholars call this the "performative" function of
communal observance. Participating changes the rhythm of my life, it
draws me into a deeper understanding of the truth of which the rite is a
sign. I don't just choose to participate, but I am changed as a result.
Holy Week contains many traditional observances that can act as both a
sign to others and as an exercise in spiritual formation for ourselves.
So do something different this week. Set aside a day for prayer and/or
fasting. Attend a Maundy Thursday and/or Good Friday service. Rest on
Holy Saturday, focusing your attention on relationships with God and
with family and friends. As you do one or more of these things, pay
attention to how
different you feel from the rest of society. There may be joy, and there
may also be discomfort or impatience. Let these feelings point out to
you that you are in the world, but not of it.
Do something this week to show others and yourself that you're a
follower of Jesus. It could change your life.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
