ash wednesday

When Christians come together for worship, it is always a celebration. Jesus is alive and we worship the King. Today, Christians all over the world are coming together to worship. “Celebration” is what we are doing but not in the way we usually think of the word. Ash Wednesday is a celebration of humility! That seems strange. Like a friend of mine likes to say, “I’m proud of my humility!”

Ash Wednesday reminds us that God is in charge and we are not. When we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” we are not thinking of all the wonderful plans we are making to conquer the universe. Instead, we remember that every moment of our life on earth is a gift, and we ignore this basic fact at our own peril. As has been said, “When we are in control of our lives; our lives are out of control.”

Jesus came to earth to let us know how we are to spend those precious moments of our time on earth. To will the good of others (love) and serve them. Love and service? That’s the key to a healthy, God-honoring life? Now, you see why humility is necessary.