Evangelical Ashes

Marti Gras/Carnaval is officially over for 2011, although the effects will be felt for several days as the revelers recuperate from several days of non-stop drinking and vile living.  Some effects will be seen in future weeks and months as there is no money to buy back what was pawned for the party, (one individual pawned his gold dental bridgework) marriages break down due to infidelity, venereal disease is discovered, and in November, the month with the most births nationwide.

Thus, as evangelical protestant Christians, and conservative to boot, it is easy to decry the absolute silliness of the millions who on this Ash Wednesday will step inside the Roman Catholic church and receive an ashen cross marked on their forehead by the local priest.  This is a sign of absolution and cleansing of the sins committed during this party season.  I confess, the actions of the priests disgust me.  I have a deep disdain for the deception that they heap upon their blinded followers.  On the other hand, a question comes to mind.  Do we in the evangelical protestant church also have an ash pot?  Perhaps ours is less obvious, but I think it is there.

 Sadly, I know that some of our local flock, were just as taken in by, and participated in the recent debauchery, as much as the other thousands that came from far and near.  The funny thing is, they won't be seen with an ashen cross on their forehead.  Instead, their ashen cross is invisible to the naked eye, but the attitude is there.  Prior to participating in sinful behavior a large majority of the people thought to themselves, "I can do this sin for a few days and ask forgiveness after the fact."  Very convenient eh?  On the same token, how many of us, as upstanding protestants, embrace the same attitude and action.  We offend, lie, deceive, commit immorality and any number of favorite sins, all the while thinking, I'll ask forgiveness later, after all God is a forgiving God and His mercy endures forever, right?

What I am saying is that in reality there is probably little difference in attitude between those that I see today with an ashen cross in their forehead who have exited a Roman Catholic church, and many evangelicals who have been involved in the same behavior or worse.  Both have a twisted and erroneous view of repentance and grace.  My prayer is that God will help me and you to boldly face this reality and challenge and present the truth, graciously, lovingly and convincingly.

Now, I need to go look in the mirror and make sure there are no ashes on my own forehead.
 
Blessings to you.