Friday's Thoughts

There are two things to be looked at and acted upon at the beginning of the season of Lent this year. These are two of the most important pieces of work we will ever do.

First of all there comes a time to tap into the Holy. There comes a time to think about the issue of character. We seek to be congruent and we seek to live with a sense of integrity. The issue is character and it comes from an understanding that whatever we have done and whatever we are we are not finished. There is rebirth for us. We are changing and evolving. There person we are is not the person we will be. Nicodemus had to realize this. His encounter with Jesus was an important interaction. He asked, "How can I be born again?" And Jesus answered, "You have to be born of the spirit."

What areas of our lives are calling us to be born into and in a new way? What are we becoming? What can, with God's help, we become?

We are beings who are becoming. This Lent we think about character and the evolution of our character as we are born into the spirit.

Secondly, once we have discovered some things about ourselves we didn't know and once we see that we are moving into a new stage of becoming we will want to find the courage to do what we never have done. Becoming isn't passive. It requires action. We can't become anew without doing something new. What new thing will we be doing. Nicodemus found himself performing the most courageous act of his life. He helped put the body of Jesus in the tomb. For a Pharisee that was an incredible act of courage.

What act of courage will we find for ourselves?

The sermon is about character and courage. It's about becoming a new person and acting on that in new ways. What do you think about your life and about Lent for you? If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Charles Schuster