God draws us to become more like Him one step at a time
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Let’s start Lent with one of the “seven habits of highly effective people” — begin with the end in mind.
The end we should keep in mind is indicated to us in this week’s readings. They begin with the admonition, “Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). They end with the admonition, “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).
Leviticus 19 explores this in a way that can be really helpful to our sense of beginning with the end in mind. It articulates a series of commands, and each of them concludes with: “I am the Lord.” If we understand that the right way, it’s a huge compliment! God is saying, “Look, I made you to be like me. And when you do these things, you become less like me. So, if you want to become more like me, don’t do these things!”
Let’s explore that for a moment. All lies are, by nature, foreign to God — because God is truth itself. Therefore: “You shall not lie or speak falsely to one another” (Leviticus 19:11).
All stealing is, by nature, foreign to God — because God is generosity itself. Therefore: “You shall not defraud or rob your neighbor” (Leviticus 19:13).
I think we might add some other things to this list — things like cynicism, which you never encounter in Jesus.
So, first: Think about what might be added to the list of “things that are, by nature, foreign to God.” What are some characteristics of God that are important measuring sticks for our own growth?
And, second, in light of that list, think about how many parts of your heart need conversion!
Now, it would be easy to consider all of that and despair: “I’ll never get there!” It’s not entirely wrong to feel that way. As Psalm 130 says: If the Lord marked our iniquities, none of us could stand.
But, on a merely human level, let’s cite the traditional saying: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!”
And, on a deeper level, let’s reflect on the characteristics of that same God who is our measure. God is merciful — so we know He wants sinners to do it. God is just — so we know it has to be done. And God is patient — so we know He’s willing to take us one step at a time.
We hear all of that in the story of Jonah’s interaction with the city of Nineveh this week. Nineveh is headed toward destruction because of its sinful ways. But, in response to Jonah’s preaching, Nineveh repents — and God is pleased!
There are many parts of our hearts that need to turn more deeply to God! But the turning is the thing for Lent. The joy of our relationship with God is also the challenge of our relationship with God: He won’t stop until every part of our heart is turned toward Him and cleansed from sin. That requires some deep cleaning.
That’s the end we need to keep in mind.
So, let’s start one bite at a time: What’s one part of your heart that could be turned more toward God this week?
