...No, no, not that either. The 40(ish) days before Easter, also known as "Lent" began last week. Just to make sure we are on the same page, I’ll give a quick history lesson. The purpose of Lent within the Western culture, is a time of fasting, self-denial, spiritual growth, renovation, and minimalism. The word ‘Lent’ is derived from an anglo-saxon word for Springtime. Much like the need in our homes or closets, it is a time to clean out the things hindering our relationship with God and others.
Even two week in, I can’t help but wonder if most of us have it all wrong. At least with Facebook posts like these: “Giving up sweets this lent! Lost 5 pounds last year—aiming for 10 this year!” or “Looking to get my mind right, giving up TV this lent…except for Jersey Shore.” My personal favorite, "I'm giving up religion for lent" (now that one I can understand). Though laughable, these are real posts I read. The unfortunate part of being human is our innate nature to live, think, and breathe selfishness. Completely unaware, we find ourselves feeling entitled to things.
Before you roll your eyes think about this: when lines are long we act like we are the only one who has to stand in it or in traffic, has somewhere to be. Our rude attitudes are excused by the fact that your day can’t possibly be worse than mine. "Why go the extra mile--they don't pay me for it!" We have tendency to place blame elsewhere for failed relationships and friendships, disregarding any of our shortcomings. The mentality our culture carries is… what’s in it for me?
It makes sense then to assume that, even with good intention, our “sacrifices” during lent can become a going-through-the-motions of what I’m “supposed” to do. Or worse, a time where the focus turns even more internal, attempting to earn God’s affirmations at the benefit of self. Sacrifice with selfish intent isn’t sacrifice at all. That’s called a goal. Lent is about much more than that.
I think the place I have to start this whole lent thing is recognizing the fact that I am a self-centered, self-indulging, and self-serving person.
This would be where Jesus steps in—where accepting my need for Him offers the chance for transformation and new life. By simply being broken enough to admit my imperfect nature, I acknowledge that I am incapable of doing anything without Him. Just being open enough to invite him into your everyday life will altogether change it. Patience will increase. Love will grow. Happiness will be less fleeting.
God IN us is what changes us.
Lent calls for an uncomfortableness. A growling hunger of the soul so loud that it awakens our hearts. An ache that brings an alert desire to engage with God everywhere, everyday. There IS a reward in the sacrifice that lent calls for…growth!
So, how’s giving up sweets going? Lose that ten pounds you were hoping for?
It’s not that this type of fast is negative, don’t get me wrong. It’s the intention behind it. What drives it? The loss of a few pounds or the realization that the absence of an occasional brownie isn’t nearly as significant as the lost connection with God you feel.
This "season" is calling for a lifestyle where we are not the center. One in which humility is not just something we practice on occasion. A life where we stop trying to appear good and ask God to change our very core. This type of surrender requires self and performance-driven efforts to be set aside, to give way for Him to infiltrate.
Lent may only last a few weeks but the faith journey is never finished. You won't ever get to a point in following Jesus and say “Phew. All done! I did it! Don’t need You anymore!” It's not about striving for perfection but intentional, Jesus-centered living. It is an ongoing relationship with the God who made the world. It isn't guilt ridden but grace-filled. A journey that is both needy and fulfilling. Failed and abundant.Vulnerable and broken. Mistakes and forgiveness. Heavy and light. Not for 40 days or five years—for the rest of your life (or at least until Jesus comes).
Get uncomfortable this lent season. Or better yet, turn this Lent into a lifestyle. It’s not too late.
“ This is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”
-Isaiah 58:6-7 (NLT)
**NOTE: Before you go I’d like to clarify some things about who God is and what he expects of us… Nothing you DO can EARN God’s love, provision, or grace. Those who invite and receive Jesus Christ to be their everything, unending love, grace, and forgiveness are a gift. It is undeserved and yet freely given. PARTICIPATING IN LENT WILL NOT MAKE GOD LOVE YOU MORE, NOR WILL NOT PARTICIPATING CAUSE HIM TO LOVE YOU ANY LESS. God doesn’t give or take His love based on our performance or our abilities to carry out religious tasks like praying, going to church or reading the Bible. Salvation comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Now, that doesn’t mean you can disregard these as important or crucial to faith—they are the keys to developing an intimate and life-altering relationship with God and others. [Want to know more? Click here--> Romans 6:18-23, Romans 8, John 3:16-21,1 John 4:3-19, Galatians 3:1-22]
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