Lately I have been contemplating the true purpose of Lent. I am a member of a Southern Baptist church so I have never actually participated in Lent or studied up on its origin and what it is really all about. I had extended family that was Methodist and Episcopal growing up. I remember them always giving something up for the 40 days that preceded Easter. It has always fascinated me.
Fasting is not something new that is on my mind.
I mentioned it in a previous post. This has absolutely NOTHING to do with Lent. I NEED to learn to turn to HIM when I am turning to FOOD. I need to do this ALL the time... not just during this season of Lent.
Just for kicks I posted a question as my Facebook status today. Here's a modified version of the responses I got...
"Do you participate in Lent? Yes/No? Why/Why not?"
"Yes 40 days of sacrafice and contimplation for. Christ. Why wouldn't someone do it after all he's done for us."
"Yes, I'm always looking for ways to simplify my life. For instance, if we give up TV, the kids stop asking, and I don't have to hear any arguing about what to watch. Simpler life=more time focusing on God!"
"Christ sacrificed everything for us. Maybe we should. What would be so signicant that we would be changed forever? Maybe TV/movie time and spend it in Bible study? What could you give up since you don't have any time right now?"
"I have a devotional book I read every year. I always learn something new about the Lord and His love for me. As for sacrifice...I find that if I deny myself something that distracts me from worshiping God, it strengthens my relationship with Him."
"As a former Catholic, yes I usually observe Lent. I give up something that is difficult to do without for 40 days, like caffeine, Cokes, or chocolate. The first few days aren't that hard, but around the third week, it's a different story. Imagine, though, that Jesus was 40 days in the wilderness, fasting that whole time, and devoted to prayer. What He sacrificed for us all is indescribable!"
"I do observe Lent. Alot of my reason is because I am conditioned to it and it's habit. But as i've aged and not had anybody prompting me to observe Lent, I notice that I reflect more on Christ's sacrifice. Not only do I give something up, I try and also add something beneficial for the 40 days. And though I'm not always strict on it, I do try and abstain from meat on Fridays throughout the whole year"
"I am a Catholic and I do observe Lent. It's a habit by now, but Lent is really my favorite time of year. Without darkness, without want, how can we know light and fulfillment? I'm looking forward to Lent and Easter this year."
"I grew up with lent services at the Lutheran church. I do miss that."
"I do not observe Lent. I am not putting down other beliefs but I feel it is...incorrect because of its ancient roots. The purpose originally was to "buy" the right to sin during carnaval/Mardigra. If I sacrifice now for these 40 days I can sin all I want later. I agree that we should be willing to sacrifice superfluous things to honor CHRIST; however, if we do it we should do it privately. View what JESUS taught about giving/fasting/prayer in Matthew 6:1-8. Great question"
Here's the passage just mentioned:
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven."
“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." -Matthew 6:1-8
"All of these are good points! I like hearing all the different perspectives."
"YES!!! A way to think and meditate, a way to make me more aware of what God has given me and done for me. Just my way of slowing down for 40 days and thinking about things bigger than me and more important than normal everyday stuff."
"No... Not saying it is wrong, just not right for me."
"No. We should have a continual relationship with Christ daily."
"I picked up the nasty habit of observing Lent in college. I guess I spent too much time around those Methodist kids! I find it is a good way to refocus, especially if you pick something that you do a lot, like Facebook, or soda. Every time you start to do the habit it reminds you why you gave it up."
"It's like a modified fast. Turns your heart and mind back to a focus on Christ and prepares you for the joy of Easter!"
"Well, for several years what I have done is meditate and study on what Christ has done for me. I spend time in the gospels. It is a time of emphasis, no real sacrifice...just a time to reflect and strengthen my faith."
"I think someone has it backwards.....mardi GRAS is BEFORE Lint.....thus the 'sinning' is before the sacrifice.....I have never observed Lint, but the more I think about it the more inclined I am to do it....privately of course."
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