Lenten Discovery

On Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, I was asked by a coworker what I'd be giving up for Lent. I informed her that I was not planning on making a 40-day sacrifice. She asked why, and I wasn't entirely sure, though I had my inklings.

Whatever the case, she got me thinking. All throughout my youth as a Methodist, I was encouraged to give something up for the season, but as soon as I went to college and got involved with the non-denominational churches, these outward displays of sacrifice were less emphasized.

I did some research, mostly Scripture reading, and here are my conclusions on how Christians are instructed to practice Lent. Three quick points.

1. Jesus says 'No one comes to the Father except through me.' (John 14.6) This is the very foundation of the Gospel. One must repent and believe in Jesus. That's all it takes to have salvation and be justified. Notice he says nothing about works. This is again reinforced by Paul in Galatians 2.15-16.

2. So now that we have determined through Scripture that a Lenten promise does not add to one's justification, why should we go forth and do it? For additional rewards! (but again, not to earn our salvation; for that is accomplished in Christ). In Matt. 6.1-16, Jesus gives strong warnings on how to practice righteousness. He instructs how one should observe these practices to receive rewards without being hypocritical.

3. What kind of rewards? Proverbs 28.20a says 'A faithful man will abound with blessings.' The Westminster Catechism says the "chief end of man is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." Therefore by faithfully participating in some form of Lenten sacrifice, if one is truly penitent, he can probably expect a greater enjoyment in God and his characteristics. Plus God loves those who pursue righteousness (Proverbs 15.9). Do it to please him.

So while the Lenten promise is a great thing to take on (as it gives us a way to find greater joy in God), it's important not to create a works-buy-my-righteousness mentality (aka Legalism) in the process, but to remember that "it is by grace that we have been saved through faith. A gift from God. Not the result of works, so that no man can boast." (Ephesians 2.8-9).

As it turns out, the idea of observing Lent is a great practice once you understand how to observe it (#2) and why to observe it (#3). I've also found a list of ideas that are probably more challenging and more rewarding than giving up a certain food item. Take a look.

In this brief study, God completely allowed me to see Lent in a different light. I was too concerned with it being a legalistic trap for Christians (which it definitely can be), that I couldn't see the great spiritual growth opportunities it provides.

Praise God for his constant teachings and grace in my life! And praise God for Christ's once-and-for-all salvation! Have a great Lent season everyone!