Jesus Course

Lent is a time for giving stuff up and in the UK people like to give up lots of stuff. Some people give up chocolate – to lose weight; some people give up smoking – for their health; other people give up drinking – for their livers sake; etc. What strikes me, though, is that I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyway say that they are going to be trying to get closer to Jesus during Lent.

I’ve heard plenty of Christians who are giving stuff up and plenty that will go to special house groups for Lent but I’m sure I’ve never heard anyone say that they are going to be getting closer to Jesus in Lent. Of course this is just what some of the groups are supposed to be doing but I don’t hear anyone ever say it.

I’m sure this is just because I’m not mixing with the right people but it saddens me every year that so many people seem to think that Lent is a time to give stuff up purely for their own health. This isn’t what Lent is about at all.

Christians have been encouraged to fast in Lent as a way to prepare themselves for Easter. The whole idea being that you get yourself right with Jesus during Lent so that when Easter comes you are in a good place to celebrate it.

So I’m challenging every Christian to not give up Jesus for Lent. Don’t give up anything other than those things that get in the way of your relationship with Christ.

Jesus lent

Lent is traditionally a time for Christians to reflect on their relationship with God. Am I doing a good job of being a disciple? Am I doing lots of good things or too many bad things? How can I stop myself doing bad things so often.

Part of this process involves fasting – or going without something for a while – the idea being that not having something that you enjoy will remind you to focus on the things you should be thinking about.

Giving up something for lent is supposed to be good for the soul.

By the way – the word Lent is not really a Christian word but simply denotes a season, it’s a very ancient word for spring.

But I want to challenge you to take something up for Lent. What about taking up thinking about God? Give it a try until Easter and see what happens.

What other things would you recommend getting people to take up for Lent?

Thoughts discipleship, Jesus, lent