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Lent: Not Just Another Resolution To Keep


Over the past few weeks, I have been amazed at the number of cultural and secular references I have both seen and heard in regards to what an individual is "giving up for Lent." Just last night, my favorite late night host, Jimmy Fallon, incorporated the question of "What are you planning to give up for Lent?" into one of his infamous skits with the audience and house band, The Roots. The common responses I have seen are sodas, sugars, coffee, social media, and cursing. All of these are certainly admirable goals and definitely would improve one's life, but sadly they negate the entire purpose behind the season of Lent.

The ways in which I see people describing their "sacrifices" bears striking resemblance to language I am accustomed to hearing around New Years in regards to a person's resolution, and not about penance or reflection. You see the season of Lent is not about identifying traits that we want to improve in ourselves, but recognizing our sinfulness and need for the saving grace of Christ that comes because of Easter morning. The season of Lent has traditionally been a time of prayer, penance, sacrifice, and devotion with the goal of transformation. Transformation into being individuals who are centered on Christ. Lent has become such a recognizable part of our society because we realize that the rhythms of the spiritual life that it provides, allows us to give ourselves in worship in our daily living.

The tradition of giving up something over the course of 40 days is connected to the 40 days of temptation Jesus experienced in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4: 1-13), which was done to prepare him for the ministry he was about to begin. Likewise, Christians of various denominations can use this time to sacrifice something, (time, money, a hobby, a distraction) and use the leftover resource to deepen their relationship with God or to further his kingdom here on earth.

I am not saying giving up chocolate is a bad idea for Lent, but why not be intentional about using the money saved by giving it to a worthy cause in your community. Thinking about giving up Netflix for the Lenten season (bless you if you have strength to hold to this), then try using the new found time in service or to studying a particular book of the Bible. Signing off from your social media accounts? Great! Now use that time to work on building genuine relationships with the real people around you, maybe those you have neglected for quite some time. This time is not meant to be an opportunity to better ourselves, but to increase in our devotion to God and desires to serve his people.

So as you partake in this Ash Wednesday of remembering your frailty as a sinful human being, and begin working your way through the Lenten season toward Holy Week and then finally Easter, may we all commit ourselves to the transforming work that this season is meant to be and allow God's desires for each of our lives to take root. 

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