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Is Lent Right or Wrong?

As a child I grew up in an orthodox church and we observed lent. Lent was a serious time every year, the messages throughout the 40 day period was centered on repentance, holiness and good works. The musical instruments were packed up not to be used until easter, the songs we sang were sober and reflective (more of hymns) and there was no clapping nor dancing. It was lent and it was sober.

Added to this I attended a Catholic school and lent was a big deal. Ash Wednesday was that day when we all had ash on our foreheads and were admonished to put on our best behaviour. I loved lent in those days, it gave us the opportunity to file out of the school to take masses in the church. Also it made one feel like a good Christian, I liked lent and I still do.

What is lent?

Lent is a period of 40 days fasting and self-denial that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. It is a period of moderation where people give up some pleasures to fast and get closer to God.

It begins on Ash Wednesday, a day that traditionally ash is placed on people's forehead as a sign of repentance and brokenness to God. It marks the beginning of the forty days fast. It has it roots in early biblical practices of repentance and godly sorrow in ash and dust.

During the period of forty days fast, which is symbolic of Jesus' fast, believers are expected to show a simple lifestyle, give up luxuries, draw close to God in prayer and devotion, give alms and generally do good works.

Why is lent not observed in all churches?

You would have observed  that lent is observed by mainly Catholics and a few other denominations, many Pentecostals do not observe lent.

First is the issue of lent not being biblical. There is no where in the Bible where the practice of lent is specifically mentioned. This many have argued to make it not biblical thus not worth practicing. However, even though lent is not mentioned its ideals of fasting, repentance and good works are central themes of the Bible.

Secondly, many denominations consider it as a form of hypocrisy. Why should someone dedicate forty days to moderate living only to return to his old ways after the period is completed? They admonish rather to live consecrated lives everyday.

Furthermore some churches see it as traditional rather than spiritual. People should not be made to fast by compulsion rather they should be motivated and inspired by the Holy Spirit. A number of people see lent as a religious obligation which holds little eternal rewards.

I have observed however that although many denominations do not adhere to the Lenten practice, they have a period they set aside to pray, to seek the face of the Lord and to fast.

So should I observe lent?

Observance or non-observance of lent is not a sin. This means that whether or not you observe lent you are not breaking any biblical commandment. So if you want to observe lent it is at your discretion. The benefits of lents are immense though, if you observe lent sincerely you will discover that at the end of the forty days period you would have experienced a revived walk with God.

As I stated above, many denominations have set times when they fast and seek God's face, if your denomination does not have this it might be advisable for you to partake in soberity of lent.

In conclusion, I encourage you to shun vain babblings and arguments remember that Christianity is not about self righteousness nor is it about self justification. Christianity is about Jesus and what He has done. Let your example be Jesus, live like Him daily and by all means live for Him.

Shalom.

Picture: Commons
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