Well, today is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent in the church calendar. It is a time of self-reflection and it is a time of fasting in preparation for the victory of Easter. And today marks the very first time I have ever specifically, "given up" anything for Lent.
You see, I am of the opinion that if God is telling you through the Word or conscience that a particular behavior, activity, or some other thing is outside the boundaries of God's desires for us, then we ought not wait for a season of the church year. So, deal with it straight away whether it is the Christmas, Easter, Advent, Pentecost, or Epiphany seasons....
But it hit me like a ton of bricks today. Facebook has lately done me no good. You see, as a church we have a Facebook account. I often blog on Facebook. I have read good articles and kept up with friends on Facebook. Therefore, please do not read this as if I think that Facebook is bad - I most certainly do not. Facebook is a tool - and I would say a good one at that.
However, as of late, Facebook has been an impediment to my peace and joy. Let me explain.
I have many friends with wide diverse opinions on a great many things. This is good and healthy. However, as of late their differing opinions on politics, religion, morality, etc...has gotten to me internally. I have caught myself feeling and thinking, "ugh..." More times than not, I have left trolling on Facebook feeling pained and irritated.
Worse than that, my wife will be sitting on the couch three feet from me and I will be trolling Facebook feeling irritated when the woman God has given as my best friend and helpmate sits just three feet away.
So, there you go - Facebook is not evil or bad - but I have been letting it get to me in a bad way. Therefore, Lord, I repent. And to help me get things back in check I will be fasting Facebook for the season of Lent.
I am telling you this simply to let you know so you'll know why I might not be commenting or messaging back on Facebook - but also to let you know that we pastors too need to focus on repentance just like everyone else. When things get outta wack, we need adjustment.
Thank you Lord for your grace - and see you at Easter!
Your friend,
Chris Ogne
You see, I am of the opinion that if God is telling you through the Word or conscience that a particular behavior, activity, or some other thing is outside the boundaries of God's desires for us, then we ought not wait for a season of the church year. So, deal with it straight away whether it is the Christmas, Easter, Advent, Pentecost, or Epiphany seasons....
But it hit me like a ton of bricks today. Facebook has lately done me no good. You see, as a church we have a Facebook account. I often blog on Facebook. I have read good articles and kept up with friends on Facebook. Therefore, please do not read this as if I think that Facebook is bad - I most certainly do not. Facebook is a tool - and I would say a good one at that.
However, as of late, Facebook has been an impediment to my peace and joy. Let me explain.
I have many friends with wide diverse opinions on a great many things. This is good and healthy. However, as of late their differing opinions on politics, religion, morality, etc...has gotten to me internally. I have caught myself feeling and thinking, "ugh..." More times than not, I have left trolling on Facebook feeling pained and irritated.
Worse than that, my wife will be sitting on the couch three feet from me and I will be trolling Facebook feeling irritated when the woman God has given as my best friend and helpmate sits just three feet away.
So, there you go - Facebook is not evil or bad - but I have been letting it get to me in a bad way. Therefore, Lord, I repent. And to help me get things back in check I will be fasting Facebook for the season of Lent.
I am telling you this simply to let you know so you'll know why I might not be commenting or messaging back on Facebook - but also to let you know that we pastors too need to focus on repentance just like everyone else. When things get outta wack, we need adjustment.
Thank you Lord for your grace - and see you at Easter!
Your friend,
Chris Ogne
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