Just as one goes to the doctor for an annual physical exam, Lent could be seen as an annual heart exam that consists of asking yourself hard “heart” questions concerning your life, such as:

• What are my specific sins, and how are they affecting my life?

• What idols have captured my imagination over my love for God?

• In what ways has my devotion to Jesus and his church become cold?

This spiritual check-up is not meant to lead us to despair, rather it is meant to lead us to find the forgiveness and life that Jesus has already secured through his death and resurrection.

These sins are easy to pass off as “no big deal,” and thankfully, we have a Savior greater than our sins. But just because Jesus paid the penalty of sin through his death, we are still very aware of how the presence of sin remains within our hearts. This is one of the many reasons the season of Lent could be formational for your heart and walk with Jesus.