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Lent Is A Means Of Turning & Returning
An evangelical Christian answers the questions: What is Lent? And why would any Bible-believing Christian choose to celebrate it?
From the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, until Easter Sunday, the season of Lent is set apart to remember Jesus’ 40-day period in the wilderness and a time of preparation for the biggest day of the church year: Resurrection Sunday. While the days of Lent are a celebration in anticipation of Easter, it is also a time of quiet reflection and repentance.
Funny Looks From Evangelicals
As an evangelical, non-denominational, born-again, adult-baptized, Bible-believing follower of Jesus, I get lots of questioning looks and even criticism from Christians in our contemporary culture.
Plenty of Christians ask:
Why would a non-Catholic celebrate Lent? Jesus set us free from the rules and regulations of religion.
And with just as much puzzlement, I want to ask you:
Why in the world would any Bible-believing Jesus-lover NOT want to observe Lent?
You See, Lent Is A Season Of Turning & Returning
It calls us to stop, evaluate, reflect, and slow down. The three pillars of Lent ––prayer, fasting, and giving –– are all about setting our priorities right again. There’s a level of spiritual growth here too.
So what in the list above stands against the evangelical Christians’ faith?
My celebration of the Lenten season calls me deeper into discipleship, in spiritual discipline, and into the life my Creator desires for me.
My observance of Lent is not about legalism. It’s a period of time that is spent focusing on God’s love and finding freedom in the One who sets us free. Freedom from:
- self
- possessions
- ambition
It’s all about giving up ME and embracing HIM.
Lent & The Law
What bristles many evangelicals about observing Lent is that it is seen as compulsory: required or obligatory.
I do not take part in the celebration of Lent because it is required.
I embrace the opportunity to launch myself deeper in relationship with the Sovereign God and take time to appreciate God’s grace all around me.
Do you want that too?
But Some Religions Require Observing Lent As A Means Of Righteousness …
So what? Does that alone make it wrong to practice its principles?
If I choose to embrace the basis of the law in my city that says not to litter, does that make not littering wrong, simply because it is a law? Of course not!
2 Corinthians 3:7-18
Now if the ministry that brought death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with glory, so that the Israelites could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of its glory, transitory though it was, will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? If the ministry that brought condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness! For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Perhaps as a little Catholic girl experiencing a period of fasting for Lent, there was a veil covering my heart just as when Moses read the law back in early times.
But that veil has long since been removed, and I find the Spirit of the Lord here in my celebration and practice of Lent.
And in that, there is freedom.
The Principles Of Lent Are Basic Precepts Of Discipleship
Why Set Aside 46 Days To Observe Something We Should Be Practicing Daily?
In the same way, I’ve heard people today question the existence of Valentine’s Day. It’s a Hallmark holiday! Ridiculous really. We should be expressing our love to those we care about all year long.
Yes, we should. But we don’t.
You see human nature tends to drag us to a lower common denominator.
- We are selfish.
- We hold our possessions tightly.
- We walk past those in need.
- We choose noise over prayer.
Just as Valentine’s Day is a reminder to put someone else first, Lent calls us to put Christ Jesus’ journey in the wilderness, His life example, and His incredible sacrifice back in the forefront of our minds.
- To be shaken out of apathy
- To turn mundane lives right-side up again
- To embrace our First Love
Do you want that too?
I’m Too Busy Not To Celebrate Lent
This year, as the beginning of Lent snuck up on me, I considered not acknowledging it much. I’m in the midst of planning one daughter’s high school graduation, another daughter’s wedding, and teaching my son to drive. I am working full-time, writing a second book, and growing a digital library of ministry training for people in small churches. I’m much too busy to think about fasting, giving, and praying more.
Really? How did I actually allow those thoughts into my mind?
… I’m NOT too busy to celebrate Lent. I’m too busy NOT to.
I took my afternoon this Ash Wednesday to reflect on these very thoughts. And already, I’m being drawn into the deep.
Deep calls to deep
in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
have swept over me.
Psalm 42:7
Would You Join Me In Dedicating The Next 6 Weeks To Going Deeper With Him?
Whether you are reading this in the season of Lent or it’s not even that time of year yet, commit to extra time in solitude and prayer. Consider fasting from what draws you further from Him. Ask God to show you where to give of yourself in a new way and make a difference to those in need.
For ideas to go deeper in prayer, check out: Adding Morning Intentions To Daily Devotions, or to plan your own time of solitude, click here: Creating Space: 5 Steps To Plan Your Own Silent Retreat. And for a great idea to bless your community, consider hosting A Buy-Nothing Event.
Prayer, fasting, and giving are The Three Pillars of Lent. They are also our call as disciples to go deeper with Him every day.
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What a fresh perspective!! Thank you for writing this post!!
You are welcome!
As a sometimes dogma-conflicted, sometimes frustrated or angry cradle Catholic reading your post caused my mouth to drop open and my heart to warm. You write with deep heartfelt honesty. To me, without prejudice, but with love and insight. You are a brave Christian! I will now be a regular here.
Thank you so much for your comment. My wonder and awe of the mystery of God was born in the Catholic church. I met Him there! 🙂
As a non-denominational, born-again, bible-believing Christian who leads worship at my small church, I spent 5 years in the Episcopal Church where I learned that Lent, Advent, and the liturgy can be a powerful, beautiful compliment to my walk with Jesus. I always felt the two worlds- liturgical church and evangelical church- could be blended into an amazing worship experience. Thank you, Laurie, for demonstrating how it can be done!
Hi Amy, thank you so much for your comment! There is often so much criticism around this subject, and I also see no conflict. Nice to meet a kindred spirit!