Thought for the Week

by the Rev Dick Watson

Associate Minister All Saints, Ilkley

Diets! Diets! Diets!

Are you one of many thinking about, or adhering to one of the countless diets that claim to improve your fitness, health and well-being?

A week ago, Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent when many people committed themselves to greater discipline in the fight for greater fitness and weight-loss.

Lent however is much more than that!

The disciplines of Lent cover the health and wholeness of Body, Mind and Spirit, and taking hold of God’s gift of life, so that we live life to the full, for our sake and for the sake of others too.

This Lenten discipline focuses our minds on Integrity of living, Generosity of spirit, Forgiveness and Renewal, at a time when morals and other Christian virtues are dismissed by so many at all levels of society.

Whilst Lent, presents us with opportunities to tackle prejudices, injustices, and personal temptations, Christians are conscious that we don’t need to meet such challenges alone, for in God we can find a sure source of strength.

Temptations take on an increasing number of different forms which sadly have been added to through the internet and social media;

• The temptation towards physical cravings and desires;

• The temptation to compromise with evil in order to achieve right ends by wrongful means;.

• The temptation to ignore our “inner voice” , our conscience , our God-given guiding compass that innately tells us right from wrong .

It is worth remembering that Jesus himself was tempted just as we are, and that He frequently overcame temptation by reference to the Word of God as written in scripture, and as revealed through listening to “the still small voice of the Spirit”.

In our fast -moving lives Lent prompts us to slow down and to think about the more important aspects of living a fully balanced, wholesome life that cares for Body, Mind and Spirit, in ourselves and in the lives of our fellow-travellers on life’s journey.

How might you and I plan to overcome some of life’s temptations this Lent and beyond?

Most people agree that we need more than a Slimming World or other food- intake diet. We need to find afresh our connection with God our Creator, who will strengthen and guide us in our resolve to be transformed in Body, Mind , and Spirit.

Churches Together in Ilkley are offering weekly Lenten Lectures to which all are invited throughout March. Please see CTI website for precise details, or ring 01943 430108. Could you make them part of your weekly Lenten diet and work-out, to your benefit, this year?