Observing Lent

In the Roman Catholic Church and in many other Christian traditions this past February 13^th began a season known as Lent. The forty day season of Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and penitence until the day before Easter (or as I prefer calling it, Resurrection Sunday) on  March 30^th. The word “Lent” comes from an Old English word “Lencten” meaning spring.

Usually people are encouraged to give something up, to fast in some way as a spiritual discipline; a little spiritual spring cleaning, if you will. I remember when I was growing up that Lent was a time for me to perhaps give up candy or to stop teasing my sisters. There is nothing commanded in the Bible about observing Lent. Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was a one-time sacrifice for all sins, perfecting forever those who believe. Hebrews 10:12-14 declares. “But this Man [Jesus], after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.”

There is no work that we can do to make us acceptable to God. Christ has done that work. Scripture declares that God has “made us accepted in the Beloved,” Jesus Christ. Still, there is a place for spiritual disciplines; training ourselves to think and live righteously (1 Timothy 4:7-9). And it would be good to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the great victory of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

Skipping a meal or part of a meal to spend time in prayer is a good thing. Foregoing buying that new item to save money to give as an offering is a good thing. Turning off the television to read the Bible together as a family is a good thing. Making a personal sacrifice or doing an act of service or praying for someone out of love for God and Christ is a beautiful and noble thing to do.

Here are some suggestions on what you can do for your mind, body and spirit in these days leading up to Resurrection Sunday.

MIND: Scripture says “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:2).” Perhaps out of love for the Lord and for your own good, turn off the TV or computer or put down that book or magazine. Instead read the Bible or a good Christian book or spend time in prayer for family and friends. Make a commitment to worship with the family of God on Sunday.

BODY: The Bible states, “do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). Perhaps out of love for the Lord and your own good you could put down that can of soda, eat right, exercise a little, stop staying up so late or perhaps stop the self-glorification of your body. Take the time you use at the gym to admire your physique and find ways to serve other people.

SPIRIT: The Word of God reveals that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22, 23).” Perhaps out of love for the Lord and your own good you will reach out to heal that broken relationship or share the gospel with someone or be more patient and helpful with someone or find ways to put more joy and kindness into the lives of the people you love.

I once was told that if I spent three months in the Word of God rather than watching TV or reading or playing sports I would transform my life. It worked for me. Why not invest some time before Resurrection Sunday preparing yourself for what really matters?