When my granddaughter (who is now almost 17) was a little girl, she told me that she was going to “do that Lent thing.” I asked her what that meant. She responded, “You know, where you give up something.” When I asked her what she was giving up, she said, “Broccoli!” Since I knew she didn’t like broccoli, I decided it might be time to discuss what Lenten disciplines are really are supposed to be.
Lent is meant to be a season in which Christians are challenged both to let go of things that inhibit their growth in discipleship and to take on those things that can deepen their spiritual walk. The sacrifice of “giving up” doesn’t mean much unless it allows one to fill that empty spot with a spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God and helps us act in ways that reflect the spirit of Jesus Christ in our lives. Giving up screen time should mean more time in prayer, meditation, and study of scripture. Giving up an extra hour of relaxation for time in the gym is good for your physical well-being, but it doesn’t really replace the need to find more time for those spiritual disciplines. Letting go of trips to Starbucks doesn’t qualify as faithful discipleship unless it translates into providing more time and money for service.
Lent is an excellent time to ask questions such as, “Do my expenditures really prove my commitment to growth as a Jesus Follower? Do my time and resources indicate a real desire to live a life of faithful service in support of the ministries of my church? Is my stewardship this Lent indicative of a deeper commitment than last year?” Lent challenges each of us to honest inventory of our lives, our habits, and the ways we use our time, talents, and resources so we can grow in our Christian life.
The United Methodist Foundation and Development Fund for the Tennessee-West Kentucky Conference seek to work with churches and individual church members in helping answer part of those questions in the area of finances and stewardship. Accounts can be set up in either or both to underwrite ministries, provide “rainy day funds” for churches and conference institutions, grow funds for future or on-going needs, or simply provide seed money for ideas or needs yet to take shape. Individuals as well as congregations can have accounts in the Development Fund which earn significant interest while also enabling loans to churches for capital improvements. We can also suggest ways planning one’s estate or using “windfall” income can enable growth in ministry and mission.
Whether it means investing with the Foundation/Development Fund or simply becoming intentional about growing in the use of your resources for God’s work, let the remaining days of Lent be a springboard for your growth as a steward of God’s bounty in your life throughout the coming year It will enable you to be blessed by being a blessing. And you won’t even have to give up broccoli!
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. David Comperry,
Field Staff Representative
