Saw this sign in my town and had to go back to shoot a quick photo…
I’ve done a little of lent the last couple years. I’ve never been to a Fat Tuesday party or participated in an Ash Wednesday service. But there is something about the fasting part of Lent that intrigues me. It probably intrigues me because I’ve never been good at fasting. I like food – my wife is an amazing cook! Yet I know that fasting is one spiritual discipline that can enhance my spiritual journey toward Christ-likeness.
Jesus commanded fasting as part of his teachings:
"16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6:16
However, it was never a time to make oneself better, but rather to recognize Jesus is better. Being better comes through His righteousness that is applied to our account (2 Corinthians 5:21) not our own religious external righteousness.
I’ll give you my practical experience on how this is working for me. Last year, I gave up Mountain Dew for 40 days. It was rough, but necessary. I was consuming about a 2 liter a day. I made it for the 40 days of Lent and then went back to my habit. It wasn’t a sin and I wasn’t controlling me. I thought. Then this last December, I was talking with a student about being filled by the Holy Spirit. Allowing the Holy Spirit to control me and supply all I need. It dawned on me that perhaps Dew as doing what the Spirit wanted to do – keep me energized. So I gave up caffeine. No Lent necessary.
This lent, I joined a buddy in giving up sugar. At least sugar in dessert form! And I made it for about 14 days, until my wife’s birthday. The Dairy Queen Ice Cream cake was my downfall… For a while I was a dejected. Then I realized my motivation for fasting from sugar. I had been pursing fasting as a way to righteousness for myself. Rather I should see it as a remembrance of the sacrifice Jesus made to provide His righteousness.
So whether you fast or not during lent is unimportant. But when you do fast, remember is not so much about making yourself better as it is remembering Jesus is the best. Avoid pursing a self-righteousness achieved solely by giving up bad habits. Pursue God’s righteousness found only in Jesus Christ.
For more history and practice on Lent from please check out:http://theresurgence.com/why-bother-with-lent