Beyond the Fast: A Christian’s Guide to Lent, Reflection, and Growth
Earlier this month, you heard others, and maybe even yourself, talking about Lent. Discussions usually revolve around what one has chosen to “give up” for Lent. However, Lent is not so much a central topic in many of our churches today. So, what is Lent? How should we, as Christians approach Lent?
What is Lent?
Traditionally, Lent is a time of fasting, self-denial, and discipline. It takes place six weeks leading up to Easter, and began as a way for those in the Catholic church to remember the importance of repentance. Today, Lent is observed in Catholic churches and some Protestant denominations, however, many Christians choose to give up a habit, eat sparingly, or fast from an activity during the Lent season. The tradition of Lent was formalized at the Council of Nicea in 325AD and is meant to imitate Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness. The first day of Lent is called Ash Wednesday, where ashes are rubbed on one’s forehead in the shape of a cross. One is meant to observe their Christian walk and make a commitment to turn from sin, especially during the Lent season.
Should Christians Observe Lent?
As Christians, should we observe Lent? Like many holidays, there is no black and white answer as to whether a Christian should or should not celebrate Lent. For Christians, the death and resurrection of Christ is the most important event in all of history. It is important to dwell on the work of Christ throughout the whole year. However, it would not harm one’s faith to pay special attention to the life, death, and resurrection leading up to Easter. When one is saved, their life must truly be changed by Christ and constantly made like Him, not just in the 40 days leading up to Easter. Ephesians 4:22–24 says “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (ESV). We ought to live in the light of Christ’s work every day, constantly asking the Holy Spirit to make us more like Christ.
Focusing on Christ
Every Christian agrees that we ought to continually seek to become more like Christ. Here are some ideas for you to try during this Lent season to focus your mind and heart on Christ leading up to Easter!
Go through a Bible study that leads up to Easter: there are many studies on the Bible app, or read through a gospel!
- Commit to giving up a habit: for example, set aside Instagram and instead use this time to study the Bible, pray, and spend time with God.
- Start a journal: commit to spending time each day journaling prayers, create a gratitude journal, or write about what God is teaching you as you study His word.
- Do a Bible study on repentance: what you learn will help you to live year-round in repentance and right living with God! Try out a study on the Bible app, or seek out passages on repentance throughout the Bible.
- Commit to a healthy habit: for example, exercise, healthy eating, journaling - get creative!
It is not too late! Decide how you will focus your heart and mind on Christ on this season leading up to Easter. Let’s make our school a place dedicated to pursuing Christ-likeness year-round!
