ENGAGE!

Hemoglobin is a molecule of special interest to us humans—this iron-containing protein molecule in the blood keeps us alive. By binding oxygen via its four heme groups, this molecule becomes, indeed, the molecule of life. It picks up this precious gas in the lungs and releases it to needy tissues.

Hemoglobin, I declare, is of theological interest for the period of the church calendar called Lent—that 6–7-week season before Easter, when the church reflects on the reason why the redemptive passion of Jesus Christ was necessary: our sin! Lent has, therefore, traditionally been a time of focus upon the spiritual disciplines—the giving up of, or abstinence from, certain activities to train us toward godliness: solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, celibacy, secrecy, sacrifice.

… I discipline my body
and make it my slave ….
1 Corinthians 9:27

Which brings us back to hemoglobin and its “theology.” The lethal gas, carbon monoxide, can bind the heme group more avidly than can oxygen, thus effectively negating hemoglobin’s oxygen-carrying capacity. And that means … death!

In other words, abstinence is not good enough. Lest an addictive “carbon monoxide” fill the gap, the disciplines of abstinence must be counterbalanced by disciplines of engagement—those actions that bring our embodied selves into alignment with God’s order.

This Lent may I suggest a discipline of engagement or two?

Study: Engagement in the study of the Word of God.

… continue in the things you have learned
… the sacred writings which are
able to give you the wisdom
that leads to salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14–15

If you haven’t done it recently, try reading through the Bible in a year. It takes only 70 hours to read it the whole way through in one sitting. The average person in the US watches that much TV in just 3 weeks!

Celebration: Engage in celebration and enjoy life and enjoy the world, as we see all of this as God’s gift to us from the bounty of His goodness. Do this with friends—eating, enjoying, and sharing how God has been good to you.

Thou hast turned for me
my mourning into dancing;
Thou hast loosed my sackcloth
and girded me with gladness;
that my soul may sing praise to Thee,
and not be silent.
Psalm 30:11–12

Service: By engaging in this discipline we train ourselves away from self-focus, and self-gratification, as we serve others selflessly, without agenda, for no reward. Serve someone for at least 30 minutes each week.

… whoever wishes
to become great among you
shall be your servant ….
Mark 10:43

Prayer: This Lent, if you choose this discipline, spend 30 minutes a week in prayer with one other person. Or catch your church’s weekly prayer meeting.

Devote yourselves to prayer.
Colossians 4:2

Fellowship: The Christian life requires regular, profound fellowship with others, being accountable. So, this Lent, find an accountability partner. Spend at least 30 minutes with that person each week. And ask one another whether the disciplines you commit to are being practiced.

… let us consider
how to stimulate one another
to love and good deeds,
not forsaking
our own assembling together ….
Hebrews 10:24

Don’t let the carbon monoxide get you. Complement abstinence with engagement as you go through Lent and prepare for the grand event of Easter.

… discipline yourself
for the purpose of godliness;
... godliness is profitable for all things,
since it holds promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.
Timothy 4:7–8

Abstain and engage!