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Lent


What it's not.

It's not Biblical. There are no stories in the Bible of the season of Lent. No character ever said that he's giving up something for Lent. There's no passage that says, “Thou shalt observe Lent!”

It's also not Roman Catholic. Although it is mostly only observed in liturgical churches, it isn't exclusive to them.

It's not voodoo for Evangelical Protestants to observe. No one's going to revoke your church membership or tie you up and drop you off at the nearest Episcopal church.

It's also not just about giving up stuff and having someone rub ashes on your forehead. Even though that is the only thing you may have been exposed to. It's much deeper than that.

What it is.

I believe it is Beneficial. And I do believe it is Biblical in the way that it is rooted in Biblical truths. Everyone can use a seasonal reminder of self sacrifice, giving, and prayer. In fact, it is so rooted in those truths that it should be a lifestyle and not a seasonal observance.

It was started in the very early church as a means to prepare early converts for baptism that would be held on Easter Sunday. It then spread to include all believers in the church as a way to prepare for Easter and a return to a holy life.

Evangelicals should learn to appreciate Lent for it's true meaning. Throughout our lives we can pick up so much stuff that really has nothing to do with serving God or His purpose in our lives. We should look at Lent, not as a binding Tradition, but as a reminder of where our hearts should be.


Over the next few weeks, I'm going to be writing about Lent. You probably know about the ashes, the fasting and eating Filet-o-Fish sandwiches. So I'll try to turn back the clock and write about the early, deep meanings of this season. Maybe we can re-center ourselves on Christ and deepen our appreciation of Resurrection Sunday.

Comments

T. S. Carter said…
I've started seeing the spiritual side of Lent, much as you say here - I was wondering how, if at all, Lent compares to the season of Advent. Other than Lent being near Easter, and Advent being near Christmas I'm not sure I understand the difference. Maybe a future post can explain the difference?
10:11 AM
DScottB said…
So I asked a Catholic coworker yesterday the question "why is the focus of Lent to always give up something?" I think he struggled to provide an answer. But the his effort never mentioned any hint that doing something extra or "finding something new" could also be an "observance" of Lent. What say you?
12:28 PM
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