A few years ago I started observing Lent. It wasn't really emphasized in the church traditions I grew up in. But I think it's a great way to get ready for Easter. So I try to give something up for Lent. It's like a Lent Fast. Lent begins Ash Wednesday--February 21--and it's actually forty-six days because you don't count Sundays.
One key to spirituality is rhythm. You need to capitalize on spiritual seasons to keep from getting in a spiritual rut. Giving something up for Lent is a great way to put I Corinthians 6:12-13 into practice:
Everything is permissible for me--but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me--but I will not be mastered by anything.
Most of us opt for what is permissible, but God calls us to what is beneficial. It's the difference between good and great.
One key to spirituality is rhythm. You need to capitalize on spiritual seasons to keep from getting in a spiritual rut. Giving something up for Lent is a great way to put I Corinthians 6:12-13 into practice:
Everything is permissible for me--but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me--but I will not be mastered by anything.
Most of us opt for what is permissible, but God calls us to what is beneficial. It's the difference between good and great.
3 Comments:
Big question. And one that might be more on the side of legalism than heart's attitude. BUT...if you give something up for Lent, but Lent doesn't include Sundays. Can you partake of what you gave up on Sundays?
Like if I gave up soda or chocolate or TV for LENT, can I pig out on Hershey bars on Sunday?
Blake- Having grown up in the Southern Baptist church, I'm no expert on Lent. But my understanding is that Sundays are not included because Sunday is day for celebration. And that means we can partake, enjoy, and celebrate what we've given up on Sunday. However, I don't know that "pig out" is in line with the spirit of the law. :)
For the past several years, I've given up soda (which is a big deal for me-- I know, pathetic, huh?), and I've given myself one soda on each Sunday of Lent.
I agree that pigging out is an abuse of Lent in the first place. But just wondering the basic take on it. I grew up (and still am identified) as a Methodist. Lent is big w/ UM's. But just looking for different viewpoints. Myself, I don't observe Lent very strictly.
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