Wednesday 12th March

I met Simon in school.  He was a nice lad and we got on well and had a bit of a laugh, so when 30 years later I joined Facbook and found him amongst my school friends I added him to the list and we said hi .  I read some of his posts.  He reads some of mine.  And thats about the extent of it really

Every year Simon gives up something for Lent.  Usually its alcohol.  And he writes regularly about the trials and temptations of being alcohol free for 40 days ( dont get me wrong, he's not an alcoholic but he does like the odd pint after work and glass of wine at the weekend)  But this year he decided to do something different.  This year he is doing a ' good deed' every day of Lent.  So far he has played in a charity football match, given blood and taken his work colleagues out for lunch , planted trees and bought food for a homeless person.  Im very inspired by what he is doing.  Its a joy to read all the imaginative ways he is finding to bless people this Lent.

Simon is not a Christian.

Not as far as I know anyway.   So why is he ' doing Lent' ?

I have no idea.  He presumably thinks its good to take time out to think of others.  In previous years he has probably recognised that there will be some benefits ( both physical and emotional ) to giving up alcohol for a while.   He has probably been influenced by traditions which encourage the giving up of things for some part of March/April.   And he is a thoroughly decent bloke.

The world is full of people like Simon.  Full of decent, kind, thoughtful people who want to do their bit.  People who are disciplined and self controlled and generous and ..... well..... nice.   So whats the difference between Simon and me?   Whats the difference between how I live my life and how he does?  To someone on the outside looking in, who is doing the better job?  Probably him to be honest :-)

The difference of course is Jesus.  I dont know what Simon's motivation to do good and to be kind is, but mine is Jesus.  My reason for observing Lent is not to lose weight when I give up chocolate - its so that every time I miss chocolate or think about it, I remember that God is more important to me than chocolate and I turn my focus towards Him for those moments.   My reason for observing Lent is not to do good deeds to be nice and to make myself feel as though Im doing something meaningful - its to remember how much Jesus has loved me , to spend time being filled to overflowing with that love and then spilling it out to others around me whenever and wherever I can.


Lord, thank you that the world is full of decent, good kind people like Simon.  They are all made in Your image and carry the hallmarks of heaven.  But Lord, without knowing You their righteousness is like filthy rags and all their goodness wont buy them eternal life or a future spent with You.   Help us to live in such a way that people see the difference.  The difference between the good and the best.  Help the world to see Your power, Your glory, Your justice and truth and mercy in us.  This Lent help us to be more concerned with our inner lives than external displays of sacrifice.  Bless Simon as he does something kind for others every day over Lent and dont let him miss the true significance of the culmination of those 40 days on Easter Sunday. Amen