Cussing Under My Breath

As we approached Lent, a minister asked me, "What are you giving up for Lent?" I responded, with tongue in cheek, "Cussing under my breath." He enjoyed a good belly laugh, and then he became silent searching my face for any hint of sincerity about what I had just said. It sparked an introspective conversation. Referring to Mark 8:27-33, I shared with my minister buddy that I felt Lent was not just a time of giving up something as it was gaining something; and that "something" was spiritual growth.

From the time that Jesus shared His true identity, as well as His true intentions at Caesarea Philippi; the disciples entered a season of gigantic struggles within themselves. So much so, that Peter felt compelled to confront Jesus about His prophecy of rejection and death awaiting Him in Jerusalem. As I read this passage again, I can still feel the blistering heat in this exchange. How this reminds me of the reason for Lent: a time to re-examine ourselves spiritually. Indeed, it is a time or us to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us afresh about how we have allowed our thinking, our self-talk to get off course. Like the disciples' experience, redirecting our inner world is a major undertaking. As Ephesians 4:15 exhorts us to "become more and more in every way like Christ" (NLT), we must face a season of self examination. So, the Lenten question of, "What are you giving up for Lent?" is appropriate here. I must first give up self-centered thought processes in order to replace them with Christ-centered thoughts.

I am still amazed at the findings of an article that I read in a neurological journal about a group of nuns. The question asked was, "Will meditation have any affect on one's brain wave patterns?" The nuns, who meditated daily, had a different brain wave pattern! Only neurologists comprehend the magnitude of this finding. The point here is when we continuously seek Him, this spiritual exercise not only changes one's brain wave pattern; it also changes one's life pattern. In short, the objective of Lent is to change our life-pattern, more and more, into the likeness of Christ.  

How would your life change if you decided to exchange cussing under your breath to praising God under your breath? I dare say that it would alter your brain wave pattern!

Enjoy a most blessed Easter!

Ron