Most Christians do not observe Lent; even fewer do so as a serious part of their relationship with God. Approximately 60% of Catholics observe it in some way, 20% of Protestants. So, how about you? Interested in Lent? Not so much? That’s normal.
1- Then how about expanding your prayer life?
2- How about enlarging your Bible knowledge?
3- How about deepening your appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary?
4- How about adding some fasting to your prayer life, like Jesus mentioned in the sermon on the mount?
5- How about strengthening your understanding/appreciation of Bible words like: redemption, atonement, propitiation, justification, etc.?
6- How about intensifying your sacrifice for Christ?
7- How about experiencing just a little bit of Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness?
8- How about letting God help you get a better hold on your flesh?
9- How about deciding to dive into the deeper end of the commitment pool?
10- How about choosing to do something that allows you to grow more in Christ?
Lent played no role in my growing up years. However, about 20 years ago, at the age of 50 yrs, I decided to observe Lent one year. I was shocked at the impact those 40 days made in my spiritual life. It wasn’t a Catholic thing or a Protestant thing. It was just a choice that I made to see if those 10 things listed above could be part of those 40 days. And guess what? All 10 showed up. Now Lent is a special part of each year for me.
Oh, I didn’t begin walking on water or anything astounding like that, but my spiritual life grew in many ways, as a result of setting apart those 40 days for extra time in the things that promote spiritual growth.
Now I can’t guarantee exactly what you will experience, if you will set aside those 40 days. However, I can guarantee that increased prayer time will prove a blessing to you. And fitting the other 9 items listed above into your walk with God, will do likewise.
So give it a shot. Lent this year is March 2-April 16, do not count the Sundays. Observe Sundays just like you normally do, as a committed Christian. Then Monday-Saturday, treat each day as a specially set aside day and choose to add into each day, an increased portion of some of the 10 things listed above. You will be blessed; that you can take to the bank, I promise.
Oh, one more thing: JUST DON’T CALL IT LENT; CALL IT “SGT”, SPIRITUAL GROWTH TIME. God bless.
Mike Sublett is a pastor at Hi-Land Christian Church, 1615 N. Banks St., Pampa, Texas 79065. Email him at pawdad@nts-online.net.
