‘Just because’ – have you ever done anything ‘just because’?  For those of you who are new to the English language this phrase is used to imply that the doer's actions are not guided by any purpose. The act is performed usually on impulse.

I shoveled the snow in someone’s driveway – ‘just because’. I decided to order dinner in – ‘just because.’  I watched Netflix all afternoon – ‘just because’.

Easter is on the horizon.  For those who seek to journey through the 40 days of Lent, leading to Easter, it is a significant season (46 days - Sundays are not included). We are reminded that the journey to the cross, for Jesus, was not one done on impulse, without purpose or intent.  It did not happen, ‘just because.’ It occurred “because of the great love with which God loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses” (Ephesians 2:4). Fulfilling our salvation, we read that as Jesus headed to the cross, he “resolutely set out for Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51).  His movement was purposeful, determined, and unwavering in manner. We hear the words of Jesus spoken to his disciples. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written of the Son of man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon; they will scourge him and kill him" (Matthew 20:18). 

For many Lent is a season of intentional sacrifice, to draw nearer to the One who is rich in love and mercy, more deeply understanding the sacrifice of Christ. This Lent I am thinking about the ability we have, because of what Christ has done, to move at the impulse of his love. God has poured his love into our hearts by his Spirit (Romans 5:5). I am reminded that because of God’s love, which is birthed in us, we can live, as the songwriter said ‘at the impulse of his love’ not ‘just because.’ 

I think of Peter and John on their way to pray one afternoon, meeting a man lame from birth and giving the man what they had, not silver or gold but words of life. They did this not ‘just because’ but because they were under the impulse of the love of Christ.

There are times we live our lives ‘just because.’  Those moments of impulse can be satisfying.  How much more satisfying it is to live, knowing we live with purpose and intent, responding to the impulse of the Spirit guiding our actions! Freely we have received - how can we freely give?

This Lenten season, may we move at the impulse of Christ’s love so that others might join the journey to Easter, because they have experienced the love of Christ through us!

Take My Life

Take my life and let it be consecrated to Thee
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my hands and let them move at the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee

Take my voice and let me sing always, only for my King
Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee

Take my silver and my gold, not a might would I withhold
Take my intellect and use every power as You choose

Here am I, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee

Take my will and make it Thine, it shall be no longer mine
Take my heart, it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne

Take my love, my Lord I pour at Your feet, it's treasure store
Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for Thee

Here am I, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee
Here am I, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee
Here am I, all of me, take my life, it's all for Thee

Jesus, your love is abundant and clear.  You chose to demonstrate your love for us as you knowingly set your face towards the cross. You did this because you determined to restore our relationship with you. Life in you allows us to be moved by your Spirit life. Move us to share your tremendous love with others, as you determine, at the impulse of your love. AMEN

With care and in prayer,