by Carla Williams
I was in college before I had any idea that there were people who observed the liturgical season of Lent. I grew up deeply immersed in the general “Christian Church” segment of the faith, thus missing most of the meaningful rituals and symbolic ceremonies other denominations practice.
But in college, I spent my free time at a campus ministry with a little more tradition than I’d experienced hitherto. And I discovered and fell in love with Lent.
For those of you who, like me, grew up without a liturgical calendar, Lent is the 40 (ish) day season that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter. Those who observe usually engage in a kind of intentional fast and season of prayer.
Here are five reasons that I think all Christians could benefit from participating in Lent, regardless of any specific doctrinal beliefs:
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The Discipline of Self-Denial is Vastly Underused
The first time I observed Lent, I gave up Coke. That was hardly a spiritual exercise. But even in my limited scope of what the season could be, it was good for me. The act of denying myself anything – even as small as an ice-cold soda – was hard. I was unaccustomed to rejecting my personal desires for the sake of something bigger.
Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Obviously, Jesus was asking for a lot more than no Cokes for six weeks. He was requiring a lifetime of sacrifice and risk, but self-denial takes practice. It takes regular, intentional choices.
Sometimes, a season of small intentional choices prepares our hearts for the much bigger sacrifices we’ll get to make for His Glory.
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You’ll Stick Out
The chances are good that at some point during Lent, someone is going to notice that you’re being weird. For one thing, you’re giving up something that you probably really enjoyed. For another, as you replace your time with deliberate prayer, Scripture, and seeking, that Light in you is going to shine brighter and brighter. A bright Light in a dark world attracts a lot of attention.
And that’s good.
Because as you remain in the Vine, you’ll bear much fruit (John 15). The fruit He produces in you will be sweet and enticing, and it will give you the perfect opportunity to talk with other people about why you’re observing Lent, what you’ve sacrificed, and how much more clearly you’re seeing God because of it. And you can invite them to learn more with you.
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Sometimes Old Stories Need to be Revisited in New Light
I have been in Sunday School my whole life. There isn’t a story in the Bible I haven’t heard dozens of times. So when it comes to the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, it’s easy for me to recite the facts and emotionlessly declare that Christ is Risen.
It’s easy for me to check out and completely overlook the fact that THIS STORY CHANGES EVERYTHING, for everyone, forever.
But when I’m walking toward that Easter morning with the intentional mindset of Lent, it’s like I’m seeing the story unfold for the first time. As I’m observing the days leading to Easter, my spirit is in a different place. This is not another day, another Easter. My heart is drawn to the Scripture in ways that only fasting can accomplish. I relish the words, watching the greatest heroic act of sacrifice and redemption. I’m sobbing with hope as I realize the full moment that CHRIST IS RISEN!
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Observance Fosters Community
One of the benefits I’ve discovered in some of these traditions is that there’s a lasting sense of togetherness in traveling these rituals together. This is my journey, but it’s also the journey of so many other Christ-followers. It’s like we’ve met on a pilgrimage, so we might as well keep each other company as we move forward.
And in that community, there’s new understanding, compassion, and grace for those around me. I typically use this season to abandon social media and its constant pulls on my time, pride, and contentment. But others use this time to walk away from the choices they’ve made that separate them from the thriving relationship they know they need with our Savior.
As I walk with them, I learn about those struggles. I understand their hearts better, and I can serve them with greater clarity in the future. In turn, my vulnerability equips them to sustain and encourage me better, too. We lean on each other as we limp toward our mighty God.
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There’s Something Holy about 40 Days
Immediately after Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit led him to the wilderness to be tempted for 40 days. During that time, He fasted. He prepared Himself to be tested, knowing that only the closest communion with His Father would be sufficient. He was hungry and alone. And He was unshakeable.
These 40 days were such a crucial bridge in Jesus’ life. Before them, He lived a somewhat normal life. After them, He began His public ministry and rocked the world around Him. Forty days of dedicated fasting, prayer, and preparation set Him on the course to save humanity.
There’s another significant 40 in the Bible – the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after their continued doubt, denial, and disobedience with God. For them, this was a season of intense punishment and purification. God wanted them to be His people, but they weren’t yet ready for Him to be their God.
In both stories, there’s something sanctifying about the 40 units they spent in preparation. That’s what Lent is – a deliberate season of denying yourself so that you can be reshaped and transformed into the person God needs you to be.
It’s a season of assessment, of quieting, of listening, of sacrificing, and of allowing the Spirit to redirect you to the glory of God and the unfathomable grace through His Son.
