February 27, 2026 - Lent season of Soul Searching

Lent is a season that invites us into a close examination of lives and ask the question “Am I living the faith that I espouse?”  It is based on Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness in which he fasted, prayed and was tempted away from what he claimed to believe.  In the book some of us are reading during this Lenten Season the author, Jesse Zink, suggests that we are living in a market based society in which we are simply consumers who should find meaning through purchase and consumption.  One’s worth and value is determined by what you can do, not by who you are as a unique child of God.  This is not how Jesus lived or what Jesus taught.

So this Lenten season as I take an honest appraisal of how I live reflects what I say I believe, I am challenged to identify what values are declared by where I spend my time, my energy and my money.  What values are heralded by the decisions I make?  If I continue to do business with companies that place profit for shareholders above how they treat their employees and customers, is my faith really being reflected in how I live?  We as a church are called to be responsible stewards of the gifts of time, talent and treasure that are graciously offered.  We need to be wise and even frugal when making decisions about how to spend our money.  But we also need to remember what our faith tells us, that human beings and caring for people are more important than bottom lines and budgets. 

So in this Lenten season, this season of Soul Searching, we are invited to ask ourselves once again, “How can I best live my life in such a way that has clear integrity with my faith in God as reflected in Christ?” 

In the midst of our challenges and struggles, may we be blessed this Lenten Season.

Rev. Dr. Dale Johnson