Sunday, March 21
The Fifth Sunday of Lent
Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath & Wells (1711)
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This quote could easily be taken from Stephen Covey’s bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, but these are the words of St. Paul, written almost 2000 years ago, to instruct early followers of Christ on how to be “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” (Rom. 12:2, NIV).
Through the “renewing” of our minds, Paul says we will be able to “test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2). Then, we will be better able to lovingly serve each other and God according to our individual gifts and be true living sacrifices. Paul goes on to illustrate what a living sacrifice to God looks like. Again, Covey’s writings on character ethics come to mind. Paul describes some of the same characteristics Covey’s principle-centered “effective” people tend to exhibit. Paul admonishes us to keep our egos in check and not think of ourselves too highly; to use our talents to the fullest and let others use theirs; to be patient; to be faithful in prayer; to give to those in need; to be hospitable; not to be conceited or too proud to associate with people of lower status; to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those in mourning; to live in peace and to not seek revenge against our enemies. And, all the while, we are to be joyful and not lack zeal.
If this sounds like a tall order, that’s because it is. We are too human to be perfect living sacrifices to God. But meaningful change is possible – no, it’s guaranteed - if we look deep within ourselves for guidance from God, not from the world outside of us, garner our strength from Him and transform our lives from the inside out.
This Lent, let us renew both our minds and our hearts so that we may better discern God’s “good, pleasing and perfect will,” take action accordingly to serve Him, and act with sincere love for one other.
Evelyn Snow