Why Lent?

Why are you giving something up for lent? Are you? What's lent?

Well, let's start there. For those that don't know, lent is a period of fasting, typically between Ash Wednesday and Easter. People give up something (traditionally, daily meals, with a meal after dark) to remind themselves of how Jesus withstood Satan's temptations (Yes! Even Jesus was tempted). Luke 4 gives an account for the 40 days leading up to Jesus' ministry where Satan tried to lure Christ to do unnecessary things. The Church observes this crucial event leading up to Jesus' ministry by fasting between Ash Wednesday and Easter.

During this time, though, I've found that it almost seems trendy to give something up, like New Years resolutions – take 2. I feel like it's on the brink of being a new piece of religious pop culture, like wearing a cross or sporting a Kabala bracelet. However, I hope it would be more than that to you this season.

It's important to ask why we're giving something up for Lent, if we are. If you skip this step, all you're really doing is making another New Years resolution, only this time with extra accountability from the Man upstairs.

I know for me, I gave up eating out and soda because they are things that I just do all year long, without even having to really think about it. Taking the time to prepare a meal, rather than simply grabbing Wendy's or a burrito at Chiptole (will be sorely missed!), is just what I need to be reminded daily of all the reasons behind this season.

Another thing I'm going to be doing is promising a new behavior to God. I guess it's a variation on taking up exercise, or some other form of self-improvement, as is sometimes a ritual during this time. In my case, I've committed to daily time in the Word. Not necessarily rocket-science. It's more of a mini self-revival than it is putting brand-new behavior into practice; and I think this is equally as cool as giving something up. After all, Christ was choosing a positive behavior against Satan as much as He was disregarding negative behavior.

In the same way Christ's actions in the desert were significant, I believe our actions during Lent are significant. Christ's actions were to honor and obey His Father; ours are to honor and obey Christ, our Savior, who set the perfect example of resisting temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man [basically, we think our vices have taken control of us, but it's only because we often have a pretty hopeless outlook]. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

So yes, you can give up TV, or eating out, or whatever. It's not going to be the thing that you necessarily want to give up; it's probably more along the lines of something that will be most difficult to give up. Whether you're reading this on February 7th, or two days before Easter, it's never too late to give up your temptations to Christ. He hopes that we will trust Him with our difficulties all year round, not just during Lent.

There's nothing saying you have to necessarily give up anything. Actually, I wouldn't if your heart's not going to be in it. It's between you, and hopefully God. Just make sure you understand why Lent is celebrated the way it is. I think it will make for a more meaningful experience, rather than simply a second chance New Years resolution.

Not a sermon, just a blog.