Lent begins this Wednesday...for a real quick history lesson, Lent is the 40 day period (not counting Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to the Holy Saturday (the Saturday before Easter) that has been historically observed by Christians in preparation for Easter. The Lent period is usually marked by fasting or giving up something, and is patterned after the 40 day fast Jesus incurred before the temptation in the desert/wilderness.
Traditionally, Christians "give up" something for Lent. It may be caffeine, sugar, t.v., etc...and the idea is when you would normally do those things, you spend time praying, reading scripture, etc...or take up some type of Christian discipline they wouldn't normally do. In my history, what I have observed is people usually give up something that they eat or do in their free time, do it for a little while, then slip up and have that Mountain Dew or watch that t.v. show, etc...then decide, "Oh well, I've messed up, might as well call it off." With that in mind, I propose a different challenge to you and me this Lenten season...
Instead of giving up something, let's add something. In Matthew 9:12 and 13, "When He heard this, Jesus replied "Healthy people don't need a doctor-sick people do." Then He added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: 'I want you to be merciful; I don't want your sacrifices.' For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough." All throughout the Scriptures, God challenges those who love Him to rethink their "spiritual disciplines". 1 Samuel 15:22,23 teaches obedience is better than sacrifice; Psalm 40:6-8 teaches God doesn't want burnt offerings, He wants our lifelong service; Psalm 51:16-19 teaches God isn't interested in sacrifice, He wants a broken and repentant heart; Hosea 6:6 teaches God wants loving loyalty and acknowledgement in place of offerings and sacrifices; Amos 5:21-24 teaches God doesn't want pretense and hypocrisy, but wants to see righteous justice; Micah 6:6-8 states God's dissatisfaction with offerings, but acknowledges His satisfaction with us doing what is right, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him.
Instead of giving up chocolate, or Mountain Dew's, or your favorite t.v. show...take up something instead. Make a commitment to be merciful for 40 days...decide to stand up for righteous justice instead of standing by doing nothing...be loyal to God...do what is right...be obedient. Decide to step into the righteousness of God He gives each of us for a 40 day period, every day...my guess is through doing this, we'll naturally give up things that don't matter. I'm taking the challenge...will you?
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