These questions are ones that I have answered for myself over the course of several years, and the simple fact is...my answers may not be the same as yours. From what I know (with no research), Lent is a time period traditionally celebrated within the Catholic faith. It is a time where Christians are called to give up something in their lives that they rely upon, or are hooked on, in order to focus on their relationship with Christ. As far as why we don't celebrate it within all churches? I have no idea. The concept of personal sacrifice is always a touchy one. Some people are firm believers and practice seasons of fasting, in whatever form that may be, throughout the year. Fasting is a deeply personal and spiritual thing. It can be refraining from sweets, from social media, from specific language, from television, from anything that you find occupying more of your time than your Christianity and relationship with God. Lent can't include refraining from something that isn't difficult to withhold from...for example, one year I tried to
So here's mine:
Keith and I began talking about Lent in January. We discussed how we thought it would be a great thing for us to give something up together and then to find a way to focus our time on God together as well. We decided to give up sweets and caffeinated drinks...not that we drink a lot of soda...but there is definitely a presence of Diet Coke on standby in our fridge. And let's face it...most of us could benefit from a higher intake of water. In addition, I decided to give up Facebook. I found myself constantly checking it...if I wasn't posting, I was looking, constantly. It became a habit...and habits are hard to break. So, I decided to go cold turkey. 40 days without checking a status, a post, photos, check-ins, nada. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I was determined to stick with all three.
As far as how we could utilize our time together in a more Christ-centered way...that took a little research. We finally decided on a You Version Bible plan that was designed specifically to have you read the entire New Testament during Lent. We began on Ash Wednesday and will read our final entry on Easter morning. We have been reading them every night before bed, taking turns reading and then talking about what we were reading. To say that this time has been a blessing would be a drastic understatement. Last year, Keith and I read the Bible through during the year of our engagement. However, we were 180 miles apart. It makes it so much more special to actually be with one another while we are reading. Now, according to the You Version study, Lent doesn't include Sundays...so technically you are allowed to have what you've given up on a Sunday...and from what I did research, it is because during Biblical times, they weren't allowed to sacrifice on the Sabbath (as to not be in pain, or lose focus, etc). Now - that one is for each person to decide. I think it's a personal choice.
I have always been involved in Bible studies. From Beth Moore to Lucy Swindoll to Francis Chan to Lisa Terkeurst, I have loved them all. However, as I began studying the bible for myself I wondered how much I was allowing these scholar's interpretation of the bible to influence my beliefs. Not that they aren't educated or have a lot to give in their studies. But how can I know what God is saying if I am listening to another person's version of it? Isn't it always better to learn straight from the source? How can I defend my faith if I have gotten it from what someone wrote in a book? I think it can be a struggle for so many of us. We want to study the bible, but get so lost in the words and the meanings that we often set it aside and bring it out only when we are on our way to church. But let me tell you, if you don't have a good relationship with your bible, you are missing out. The bible is God's way of communicating to us...it was inspired by Him. So why do we think that because a letter was written by Paul or John, that we can pick and choose what rules to follow? As 2 Timothy 2:16-17 "All scripture is God breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
It can be daunting. But get to know your bible. And don't skim over the Old Testament! Just because it is the "old law" doesn't mean we can't learn from it! Once you have a true handle on your own faith, then you are ready to add studies. I loved going to the Women of Faith weekends years ago with my Cuba sisters...and Luci and Patsy were two of my favorites. As much as I love their hearts, I disagree with some of what they say. But maybe I wouldn't have, if I'd never really spent time in the bible reading and discerning for myself.
Did you participate in Lent this year? If so, what did you give up? How do you feel you grew spiritually during this season of sacrifice? If you didn't participate, is it something you'd be interested in? Just because Lent is over, doesn't mean you can't do a weekend fast. Need an accountability partner? Let me know!
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