Living Through Dying

"I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead" - Philippians 3:10-11

Next week marks the start of the Christian tradition of Lent. For some, this might bring up memories of parents purging the house of all sweet treats and for others, Lent may be something you have talked about, but never really considered participating in.  No matter what your past experience, participating in Lent can be a beautiful and transformative discipline.  Lent is first and foremost about the gospel making its way deeper into our lives.  At the heart of Lent should be the desire to increase fellowship with Christ.  Philippians 3:10-11 says "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead".  When we intentionally choose to fast from things we enjoy, we are dying to our own cravings and in a small way experiencing fellowship with Christ who endured actual death so we could have new life. In turn this should remind us to look to the resurrection- the hope we have for new life and longings fulfilled- not fulfillment in the things we have given up, but in Christ.  Whether its from social media, sweets, coffee or anything else, I would encourage you to prayerfully consider participating in some degree of fasting over the next 40 days especially if you have never done it before!