Day 3: Live Like No One Else

"Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ And Jesus said to them, ‘The wedding-guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.'” 
-Matthew 9:14-17


Contrary to what many believe (Christians included), being a Christian is not easy. Being a Christian requires us to look inward at our deepest fears and most serious faults – and overcome them. It is also a religion that, at times, calls us to abandon rationality and basic human nature.

Pray for one's enemies? Really?
Love others as much as I love myself? Is that possible?

But perhaps the most difficult thing about being a Christian is that it requires a complete transformation within the individual. This change manifests itself in baptism and confirmation, however the season of Lent serves as a way of reminding us each year of the vows we take as Christians. Lent calls us to reflect on who we truly are, and then transform ourselves through temperance, meditation and fasting. But it's not that easy.

Putting it plainly, our transformation is only as thorough as our sacrifice. If we dedicate ourselves to making a change then change will occur. However we cannot expect to deviate little from our bad habits and expect miraculous change in our lives. No, we must plan and prepare to transform, and then put those plans into action.

In today's reading from Matthew, Jesus is calling us to make this transformation, and to make it thoroughly. He tells us not to sew fresh cloth onto our ragged cloaks, and not to mix fresh wine with spoiled wine. Jesus is essentially saying that there is no such thing as a quick-fix with substantial problems. If true change is to occur, then this change must be made with diligence and perseverance. If it is done without these elements, then what is the point? You've only wasted your time.

I listen to the Dave Ramsey Show every day, and I enjoy it because it's a show about people transforming their lives by getting out of debt and planning for their futures. One of the best parts of this show is when listeners call into Dave to do their “debt-free scream.” It's an inspirational segment where people tell epic tales about the massive amounts of debt they have overcome by following Dave Ramsey's strict, common-sense principles.

It's not rare to get people calling in who have paid off hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. And these callers did not just overcome these debts by accident. No, they liberated themselves by making conscious decisions towards a goal that would make them happier, more successful people. Isn't that what Jesus is asking us to do today?

“No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old cloak, for the patch pulls away from the cloak, and a worse tear is made. Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; otherwise, the skins burst, and the wine is spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Those enslaved to debt will never be debt-free unless they dedicate themselves wholly to budgeting and self-denial. Likewise, Christians trying to become more like Christ cannot do so by making half-hearted attempts to break bad habits and sinful behavior. To do both, one must start over and dedicate one's self completely. And when that happens, true transformation occurs and happiness becomes a reality.

The main goal of Dave Ramsey's show is to prepare people for retirement. In order to make sure his listeners are ready, Dave advocates an aggressive “gazelle-intensity” effort to pay off debts and save money. He tells listeners to do unorthodox things like cut up their credit cards, pay for things only with cash and to account for every cent that leaves his/her bank account. In doing so, he promises listeners that if they live like no one else now, then they will live like no one else later.

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Christianity has a similar goal in mind. As a “product,” Christianity helps people prepare for their future. But it's a future far beyond this world and all comprehension. It is a religion that calls us to take drastic measures like fasting, self-denial and meditation. However, a similar payout awaits those who take such decisive action. This Lent I ask Christians to live like no one else, so that later (much, much later) we can exist truly debt free in that heavenly land of grace and mercy.

Blessings,
Will Bryant

Will Bryant is 25 years old and from the Diocese of Western North Carolina. 

He is currently serving with the Mission to Seafarers in Hong Kong. 

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