Before I begin, let me say that I don't really know a lot about the origins or rituals of Lent. I've been consumed with Lent since the beginning of the year. I think there is a lot of mystery around it for me since I've never celebrated it, at least not intentionally. I think I might have said I was giving up cokes for 40 days one year. Seems silly to me to give up a food or drink. I think if we are doing something to honor God or in the name of God, then it needs to be more intentional, not just a momentary sacrifice.
I believe in fasting and prayer as a means of discipline, but to say "I'm giving up ______" for the sake of God would be a dishonor as it goes against everything Jesus died for. However, to say "I'm seeking more of Him" honors Him AND changes us in the process. When our heart longs for Him, He gently changes the condition of our heart. It no longer becomes a sacrifice to "give up" sinful behavior, and it really becomes something that you no longer want.
I like Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG) Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Wow! Parasitic sins. I love that version of that verse. I don't think that eating chocolate is a sin, nor drinking Coke. However, when it becomes a desire above God, or something that we can't live without, then it starts to take the place of God. Let us be like Jesus, who never lost sight of where he was headed.
Lent isn't just a period of "giving up" to show that you can suffer like Christ. It's really silly to say that I'm suffering like Christ because I'm giving up ______. He made the ultimate sacrifice that we could never repay, nor come close to sharing in. Lent is more of a time to GAIN a closer walk with the Lord. I don't want to remove grace by legalizing a season of reflection on His amazing grace. This is a time to set aside 40 days to recognize and celebrate the work that God did through Jesus. I'm grateful that I have this time to be renewed in His word, reflect on His goodness and be refreshed by His grace!
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for you are so good to me. Thank you for continually leading me and guiding me with your loving hand through the work of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for the work You did through Jesus in order to win me back to You. You are a loving God, and I honor You today! God, let me honor You in all that I do. Create in me a clean heart during these next 40 days of thoughtful reflection of your mercy and grace. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Amen!
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