I have to be honest. I am not an expert on the celebration of Lent. It wasn’t talked about a lot in the church I grew up in and it’s not been a huge tradition in any of the churches where I’ve served. When I was growing up the only friends I knew of that celebrated lent were my Catholic friends. I understand the concepts and principles involved and I realize it is gaining in popularity in today’s church culture, but it’s simply not been something I’ve practiced a great deal.
Lent is a practice of celebration 40 days prior to Easter that allows believers to prepare their hearts to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Basically, the person practicing lent gives up something they would regularly do during the season of lent. I’ve heard of people abstaining from caffeine, sweets, television, or smoking, among other things. Today being what is called Ash Wednesday, the start of the lent season, I have received enough questions about it that I felt it was worthy of my addressing the issue.
My understanding of Scriptures is that the Old Testament practices and traditions are no longer required, but, at the same time, disciplining ourselves is always a good thing, if done with the right motive and purpose. For that reason, I would encourage the practice of lent by giving something up of value during this period to spend more time focusing on the true value of Christ. I see great opportunities in this to build family traditions, celebrate Christ together, and personally build a person’s character in Christ.
Since I believe we are no longer bound by rules, but are now bound by grace, if a person wants to practice lent, I think they should write their own rules for their practice of lent based on what they want to accomplish and how disciplined they need to be. The key, however, is more about taking on than it is giving up. The end goal is to take on more of Christ as one gives up something of value. This is actually a good discipline to have throughout the year.
In my opinion, if a person is concentrating more on the discipline and his or her ability to keep a rule then he or she is still living under the law system. If, however, one is concentrating on the focus of Christ then he or she is truly living by grace. That should always be encouraged. However we celebrate or don’t celebrate Lent, let’s all take time preparing our hearts for Easter and reminding ourselves of the sacrifice Christ gave on our behalf. That has to be good for all believers.
Lent experts, I’d love to hear your thoughts… Educate me (and my readers). What am I missing? How do you celebrate Lent?
I'm doing a lenten study called Preparing My Heart for Easter my Ann Marie Stewart. I did it last year and was introduced to the idea of observing Lent. The focus is as many have commented here – to identify with the sufferings of Christ and all He gave up for us. Ann also encourages us to add something that will also remind us to focus on Christ. I really like that idea. Thanks for giving us some perspective on this important season.
Ron,
Thank you for providing a better understanding of the question I asked yesterday. You have given me a perspective I hadn't really thought about. In our house these next 40 days we are going to try a different approach to the Lent season. Instead of taking away something we love so dearly we are going to discipline ourselves as a "FAMILY" to enrich our minds and body with scripture. So hopefully at the end of the 40 days we will have developed a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.
Thanks.
Awesome! I think if you do that, you will have accomplished the purpose of Lent!
In Mardi Gras country where I live, the practice is to live it up, then give it up. For this reason, how these people practice Lent, sets an absolutely detestable view of what it means to be Christian. The Bible doesn't teach, "live it up, then give it up." It does, however, teach that we should present our bodies as a living sacrifice. Using grace as license to "live it up" is not scriptural. The Bible also teaches that God is not impressed with sacrifice as much as He is with our obedience. Lent from the perspective I see it, that is, how it's practiced locally is ridiculous. Make no mistake. It is never a bad thing to focus on the redemption offered through the blood of Jesus. It is always a bad thing when we give up just one thing and do not give it all to the Lord.
Thanks for adding that perspective. I agree with you completely.
I agree that the practice of Lent is about "giving up" to "Gain" much like in Islamic faith as they fast for a month in order to gain a deeper appreciation for the fulfillment of basic needs, to grow closer to God, and to become more aware of those without. Personally, I have always tried to appreciate the deeper motivation for these practices, even though I haven't participated in them myself. For some, having a prescribed time for these activities is helpful and necessary. For others, including myself, the freedom to choose how and when to grow spiritually is more beneficial.
Thanks Shana. Good points.
Ron
I agree that we should develop our own approach. Rather than giving something up I prefer to add something valuable. This year I'm adopting a spiritual discipline and inviting my friends to join me if they want. The details can be found here: http://endlesslyrestless.blogspot.com/2010/02/spi…
Thanks for sharing another resource for my readers Les.
The practice of Lent goes back into the very early history of the Church, far before there was any “Roman Catholic” church. The early Fathers of the church write extensively on Lent and the need for fasting and spiritual preparation in the celebration of Easter. Unfortunately in many Protestant churches it has fallen by the wayside, as have many celebrations of the church calendar year. Getting back into the habit of celebrating Lent and Advent would greatly enrich the spiritual life of many churches today. I write this as an evangelical who has made this discovery. And it certainly isn’t a matter of legalism but of spiritual discipline.
Forrest, I hope you understand that I only gave my experience with it when referring to the Catholic church, but as I said, it's certainly something I could encourage. I think any tradition can become legalism, including spiritual disciplines, if the heart of why we are doing it and for what end purpose is not understood. In the end…the real goal is more of Christ! Thanks for your insight.
I guess I'm more focused on what God has given us through Christ than I am on anything I could give up for Him. Christ said that He came that we might have life more abundant than the loss, death, and destruction that evil brings to our world (John 10:10). Every day, I celebrate Christ's temporary death, his resurrection, the new birth, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the baptism of fire, and God's absolute love. Every day, I remind God of His promise in Isaiah 25:6-8 and pray that the day will soon come when He shall wipe away tears from all faces and will swallow up death forever! This whole thing is not about us and what we do–it's about God and what He has done, is doing, and will do!
Thanks Patricia. You have great insight as always.
I approach this season as a time of personal sacrifice that will draw me closer in my relationship to Christ and help me to better understand His sacrifice.
Everything that I am or will be comes back around to choice. Lent is just one more time for me to understand that concept by choosing to add or subtract something from my life.
Thanks Kathryn for sharing. I think you captured where I see the value in this sacrifice.