lenten self exam
Two of the most impactful fasts of past Lents were my television fast, and fasting from giving unsolicited advice. But my all-time favorite fast was not my own. It was the season when my daughter gave up mirrors for Lent. Actually, she assiduously avoided looking at herself in ANY reflective surface for the six weeks leading up to Easter. (Store windows, car rear-view mirror, etc.) I learned so much by watching her navigate the world oblivious to the image that she was projecting.
Before I choose what to relinquish, I try to go take a spiritual inventory. This year, in response to John Mark Comer’s book “Practicing the Way”, I’ve prepared my own list of self-examination questions. As you read through them, I’m sure you will have no trouble identifying some of the “right answers”. But the goal is to let the questions examine your heart, and to ask not “Which answer SHOULD I give?” but “Which answer best describes how I am functionally operating in the world right now?” Which answers reflect how I’m really spending my time?
The answers I give might help me identify any worthless habit, activity or attitude that is holding power over my life. What new habit might I add to open myself more to God? The ultimate aim for Lent, for LIFE, is to see Jesus increase my love for Him and for my neighbor. Perhaps you’d like to join me and answer these questions for yourself.
Love, Liz
P.S. Next week I plan to reveal what fast I will undertake this Lenten season.
What is most likely to heal the world?
- Anger at injustice
- Fear
- Love
- Adherence to good moral principles
- Better laws
Where am I most likely to find healing?
- Reading the Bible
- Spending time with Jesus
- Watching CNN or Fox News
- Scrolling on social media
What are the character traits that show that I am spending my time wisely? (check all that apply)
- Humility
- Kindness
- Empathy
- Moral correctness
- Impatience
- Joy
- Peace
- Love
What have I spent the most time TODAY cultivating in my idle moments?
- Complaining
- Contemplating Jesus
- Worrying
- Self-justification
- Disgust
- Criticism of others
What is one good habit that I could try to cultivate this week?
- Journaling
- Meditating on a scripture verse
- Listening prayer
- Lectio 365 (devotional app)
- Repentance
- Appreciating beauty in creation
- Devoting a whole day (Sabbath) to celebration, rest, gratitude, and/or worship
- Fasting
- Generously giving someone my time in service or my financial help
- Calling or writing to one friend
- Sharing a meal with someone
Lastly, a questions for evaluating each week of Lent: at the end of the week, do I notice any difference?
- No, but I’m going to keep trying
- No, it’s no use; I’ll never change
- Yes, but only a little; I want to keep at it.
- Yes, I’ve done all the changing I need to do.
- Yes, I’m sure Jesus is at work in me
