There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12
“Wherefore, leaving the foolishness of the crowd, and their false teaching, let us turn back to the Word which was delivered to us in the beginning, “watching unto prayer” and persevering in fasting, beseeching the all-seeing God in our supplications “to lead us not into temptation,” even as the Lord said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Polycarp (A.D. 65-155) in his letter To The Philippians 7:2 (translated by J.B. Lightfoot).
Daily we are tempted to follow the world rather than the Word. The disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving, help us learn to combat fleshly desires and the foolishness of the crowd.
Polycarp was discipled by John. His words to the Philippians give us a glimpse into the mind and heart of some of the earliest disciples. Though he lived nearly 2,000 years ago his counsel is both fresh and relevant.
Since the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, the early church started to practice the disciplines of prayer, fasting, and giving in the days leading up to Easter. The season called Lent.
Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, which is 17 February 2021. On Tuesday, I plan to release a free devotional called Lent Companion. I pray it will be a blessing to you. It will be available for PDF download and sharing.
For now, start thinking about how you will journey through Lent. How does the world tempt your flesh? What is the crowd doing that catches your attention? Why might it be time to turn back to the Word?
Think on these questions. The aim of Lent is to create margin in our hearts, our daily schedules, and our budgets. So, we fast, pray, and give with intentionality to help us grow.
Abandon the crowd this year. Do Lent! Or, as Polycarp put it at his martyrdom, “Be strong and play the man!”