You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, non-apologetically—to say “no” to other things. The way to do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside.

–Stephen Covey

On Wednesday evening of this week, I stepped inside my church, listened to quiet music, prayed and eventually walked to the front of the sanctuary. When my turn came, my pastor imposed ashes on my forehead in the shape of a cross. Symbolizing our origins from the dust and our eventual return to the dust, he reminded me that I join Christian believers across the globe to begin the Lenten season.

Just as people worldwide respond in various ways to the yearly four seasons, Christians celebrate various seasons as well. This one is 40 days long, reminiscent of the 40 days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the wilderness to build the spiritual energies he would need for his ministry.

To this end, Christians around the world are encouraged to step back from some of their normal distractions and focus on living their lives led by God’s spirit. Some people deny themselves favorite foods or activities; some focus on prayer and study the scriptures; some work toward church membership; some take on a project that seeks to improve the lives of others in need. Whatever the choice, the goal is to reestablish values and live with greater purpose.

With all that can distract us, this can be a tall order. Temptations to change one’s goal for these 40 days is everywhere, just as it was for Jesus who weathered a series of temptations during his ministry.

The first was a challenge to display for all to see his arsenal of spiritual power. In other words, show off what he was capable of doing to lay proof of his identity. The second challenge dared Christ to accept dangerous physical risks with the promise that in doing so he would be spared physical suffering. After all, wouldn’t God surely save his own son from pain? In the third challenge, Jesus was tempted with material rewards often associated with royalty; things that hold great worldly value, even today. Why live modestly when riches and power and popularity were within reach? Why not live as kings are destined to live?

Scripture tells us that Jesus regularly stepped away from his ministry to pray, alone. He sought God’s courage and resolve, guidance and love with each step of his ministry. In so doing, his resolve to stay the course and remain committed to his purpose on earth never faltered.

Each year, the season of Lent gifts us with time to clarify with God who we are to Him, identify what we are to accomplish with our lives and make the choice to challenge our physical and mental resolves.

We do all this not because we have to, but because we know that in so doing we grow stronger and the world improves.