I’ve been thinking about Lent and what it is supposed to be
for. Growing up Protestant with Catholic
friends, I had a decent idea of the practice of Lent. But since my church didn’t follow the
practice, I didn’t either. In fact, many
of my church friends made fun of the observance; “What are you giving up for
Lent?” “Brussels sprouts!”
So I have not given Lent much thought over the years that
have passed. That is, until a few years
ago.
Out of curiosity I studied on the Catholic practice of
Lent. Why they believed and did as they
did. There was some powerful stuff
there. Then I studied what I could find
on Protestants observing Lent.
I’ve been mulling on this for a long time now.
And I have decided to observe Lent.
Not as a ritual, not following man-made rules (there is no
Biblical requirement to observe Lent), not half heartedly.
I am going to observe Lent as an ‘adjustment of my sails’ so
to speak. As a time of thinking of Jesus
and what He’s done for me. And how He
wants me to live for Him.
There will be fasting… but not of something frivolous (and
in my opinion insulting to God) like sweets or sodas. That is one of the things that has always
disturbed me…all the way back to the words of my snarky young friends. Lent is supposed to be contemplation of Jesus’
suffering and dying for us, and we honor it by giving up candy bars for 40
days???
I want to be absolutely serious about this. I want this Lenten season to bring me closer
to God and Jesus. To refine me.
To that effect, I will be fasting pleasure time on the
computer. The computer will be only a
tool…not a form of entertainment. I will
replace that time with different ways of serving Him. Getting my home in order. Entertaining others in my home. Participating in mission-hearted
activities. And whatever else He brings
to the table.
Also there will be a fast of attitude. This one will be the hardest. I will be fasting from negativity.
Yeah…
No snarks, no gritching, no hissy attitudes.
And there will be repentance. I believe that this is the ultimate outcome
of Lent. To become aware of your failings
and to apologize and to turn away from them.
That is what repentance means… turning away. Stop doing it. “Go and sin no more”.
This is the heart of Lent.
I think you've got a better handle on Lent than many Catholics--although you may be underestimating just HOW MUCH of a sacrifice it is for some of us to not eat chocolate for the duration :-)
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