Lent: "It's Time! Let's Gooooo!"
While it's understandable to hear that enthusiastic chant in a huddle or at a pep rally, it is almost unheard of to encounter enthusiasm when one starts to discuss Lent, especially if one is going to be giving something up for this time period. While many of us prepare our homes for Easter by bringing out the baskets and purchasing Peeps and jelly beans, many of us do not prepare our hearts for Easter by drawing closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit has put it on my heart to consider this time of Lent, so I did a little research. According to the Christianity website, "Lent is the Christian season of spiritual discipline leading up to Easter." Interesting, it is a period of spiritual discipline. So, it doesn't just involve decorating and shopping. The site goes on to say, "Throughout Lent, most Christians adopt a period of fasting, repentance, prudence, and spiritual development." Apparently, the time period doesn't have to just be a time period of giving something up.
Finally, the article states, "The meaning of the Lenten season is to use this time for reflection on Jesus Christ to recognize his affliction and his atonement, his life, death, burial, and resurrection." This portion stands out because it places the emphasis on Jesus. On Jesus--not me.
With the guidance of the Holy Spirit and those thoughts in mind, I am making my own plan for this Lenten season. Given the world in which we live today, I feel a strong desire to let go of the trappings of the world and draw closer to Jesus.
How can we best do this? Again, I deferred to a little bit of research. Several articles offer "creative ideas" for observing Lent. Many suggestions include giving something up. Some of my favorites include fast food, snacks, and frivolous purchases. Interesting ideas include limiting screen time or giving up social media, video games, or even just cutting off technology use after 8:00 or so in the evening. On the other hand, several suggestions include adding something that will benefit us physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually, such as exercise, quiet time, and even, good posture. Some suggestions included donating items each day or making a gratitude list each day.
With all of these options, how does one decide? It is best to think back to the purpose of the activity, "a season of spiritual discipline." It is probably best that this decision is made between each of us and the Holy Spirit. Discipline causes growth. What will best prepare our hearts for this season and cause spiritual growth within us? Given how much the cross cost Jesus, one would think that our choice would cause us at least a degree of discomfort. Right?
We must also keep in mind that this is our opportunity to grow in our faith, not in our own glory. If I am spending most of Lent convincing people what a "good" person I am with my "selfless" observance of this time, I am probably missing the point. Matthew 6:6 is about prayer, but it seems applicable to this exercise in spiritual discipline, "But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen..." Jesus himself often would seek opportunities to have quiet solitude. Luke 5:16 states, "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."
With all of this in mind, "Let's goooooo!" It's exciting, isn't it? We are going to purposefully spend our time and energy growing closer to God by asking for the help of the Holy Spirit to guide us to a better understanding of what Jesus actually did for each of us at Easter!
It is time! "Let's goooooo!"
Almighty God, we ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide us to a closer relationship with You. This Lenten season help us to seek the spiritual discipline that will prepare our hearts to truly understand the sacrifice of the cross and the glory of the empty tomb. Let us act to glorify Your Kingdom, Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30
