Tis the season for Lent! Christians everywhere are giving up something for 40 days, and although this “thing” could be anything from fast food to Facebook, it’s an important part of our religion for a number of reasons. Lent is our chance to strengthen our faith through prayer and rebuild our soul through penance. You don’t have to give up a dangerous vice like smoking to participate (although if you do smoke, that’d be a good thing to give up!) Learn more about this very old and very important traditional practice!
What Is Lent?
By definition, Lent is a period of time that starts on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Although Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists, and Orthodox worshippers are the most well-known of the Christian denominations that practice Lent, there are several more that do so as well. Lent originated as an imitation of the 40 days Christ spent fasting in the wilderness, where he emerged triumphant after being tempted by Satan.
Why Should You Do It?
Even if your church doesn’t participate in Lent, you can still get closer to God by giving it a try. Although Lent was inspired by Jesus fasting in the wilderness, you can still imitate his example by giving up something that you rely on other than Christ or the Word. Traditionally this would be food during the day, but social media is another amazing example of a thing that takes up your time and brings you very little in return. Do you think you could make it 40 days without Facebook? If you trust God, you could!
Tips For Making the Most of Lent
Lent isn’t just about giving something up for a while, it’s about strengthening your bond with the Lord and showing penance for your past sins. If you know you’ve been lacking in the Biblical study department, replace Facebook or TV time with reading scriptures or volunteering in your community. Every time you’re tempted to revert back to your old habits, remember Christ’s example, and keep in mind that it does get easier the longer you do it!
I’m Jessica Cox, and I’d be lost without my faith in God or the fellowship I share with other religious people. My faith is what guides me through life’s difficulties and keeps me feeling positive even when things aren’t going well. If you’d like me to share my story at your business convention or religious gathering, please don’t hesitate to reach out and contact me.