Lent is a period of fasting, moderation, and self-denial traditionally observed by Catholics and some Protestant denominations. It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday.
The length of the Lenten fast was established in the 4th century as 46 days (40 days, not counting Sundays). During Lent, participants eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit. It’s not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear or eating junk etc. It’s six weeks of self-discipline.
Lent began as a way for Catholics to remind themselves of the value of repentance. The austerity of the Lenten season was seen as similar to how people in the Old Testament fasted and repented in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1-3; Jeremiah 6:26; Daniel 9:3). But in Early Christendom, the christians already lived a radical life and lental season would just invite them to come up higher in their already victorious Christian life and be even more radical in their approach to sin and holiness.
However, over the centuries Lenten observances have developed a much more "sacramental" value. Many Christians believe that giving something up for Lent is a way to attain God’s blessing. But the Bible teaches that grace cannot be earned; grace is “the gift of righteousness” (Romans 5:17).
Also, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly: “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. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18). I personally have seen the gloomy faces"christians" make when they fast and you might have seen it too. If you are one of them, repent.
Fasting can be a good thing, and God is pleased when we repent of sinful habits. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside some time to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection. However, repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not just for some 40 days.
Understand repentance, self denial, discipline and obedience is not merely limited to lent but is a lifelong commitment rooted in love for Christ.
I have seen pathetic Catholics behave as though everything they sacrifice during lent is a burden and they can't wait to get it over with to get back to their backslidden life of disobedience. Hypocrisy at it's peak. God hates actors.
So even if you haven't been living a life of obedience, this lental season would be a good time to reflect and take a lifelong commitment to be a radical disciple of Christ having dominon over sin and leading a victorious Christian life.
If your fasting and disciplining is limited to lent, you are no different than other nominal hypocritical christians. Would you avoid eating junk or swearing or getting angry or anxious etc just for the season of lent? Shame on us, if that's how limited our mindset towards holiness is.
Be genuine before God. Be holy.
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