Nearing the End

Today is August 7th. The 40 days of Consecration started on July 7th.

My thought, as I showered and got ready to come to church last Sunday, was "this is the last day I'll have to preach with a neck-beard. Thank God."

It strikes me that this is an all-too-common mindset during seasons such as this one. Consecration seems to carry with it an natural "down-in-the-doldrums" mentality. Is this what the Lord wants for this season?

Let's take a look at that question. Surely there is a certain piece of "purifying" that is difficult. After all, many of the things from which many of us have separated for this season have an addictive quality to them. While this is certainly true of alcohol, it is as much or more true of television, movies, surfing the internet, course joking, and--frankly--the whole list of things I felt the Lord calling me to separate myself from. While shaving my face is not addicting, it is more desirable to me than having a sweater growing out of it in the midst of Denver's record-breaking list of days above 90 degrees.

BUT, the reality behind this season of consecration must not be ascetic, and full of self-punishment. If the Bible is true and useful for everything it says it's useful for, then being set apart to intentionally experience God will lead not to frustration, impatience, or pain, but to joy, fulfillment, celebration... and, well, life. Good, full, purposeful life!

Choose your focus wisely today. Don't wait. Don't complain. What is the joy and life that is available to you right now, as you take another step of consecration?