Sunday, March 27, 2011

Why Don't We Observe Lent?

I was raised going to church every Sunday and accepted Jesus as my personal Savior when seven. I would hear Catholics talking about Lent and signs about it on some Lutheran churches too but our church never said anything about it and I wondered why. My understanding is that it is a tradition that is done in preparation for Easter that involves giving something up as a sacrifice. My mom told me that the bad habits some people give up for Lent, we give up all the time such as smoking and drinking.

I don’t see where in the scripture this is commanded or even requested. On the other hand, I do see that according to Romans 12:1-2, we should present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service and be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. This, I believe, is the sacrifice God wants all the time—not just during Lent.



I had the privilege of teaching about Jesus’ crucifixion last Sunday in my Sunday School class and was reminded again while watching the clip from the JESUS film of how much God loves me. Jesus willingly went through an agonizing death, taking the punishment for my sin so I could live forever with Him in heaven for all eternity! I am so glad I received Jesus as my Savior by asking Him to forgive me and come into my life to help me live for him. My life changed that day—I became a new creature in Christ with a purpose to do His will, not mine and a desire to please Him in all I do.

I thank God that I can truthfully say Galatians 2:20 (KJV):
I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

What about you? Life is so short compared to eternity, yet what we do with Jesus affects where we spend all eternity. Have you accepted Jesus’ sacrifice for your sin and received Him as your Savior? I hope so!

4 comments:

Rebecca Mecomber said...

Karen, what a wonderful post! Probably one of your best, I really enjoyed it.

My sentiments abut Lent are much the same-- Cgrist is Lord of all, the totality of our life. I never understoodnLent for this reason, either. But then again- and no offense to Catholics, truly- Catholiciam is not a very Biblical religion. Of course there are sincere people in every church, but the official religion does not resemble the scriptures at all. I guess that's why Martin Luther did what he did, lol.

Thanks for being a real pal and commenting on my blogs lately. I've been busy and a little "low," so I haven't been commenting as much. I hope to be back at it soon. Have a blessed week.

Homestay Mama said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.

And yes, I have accepted Jesus as my savior--I am a born again believer!

The Silver Age Sara said...

Yes, is my answer Karen. We always celebrated Lent and I'm not Catholic. Maybe different denominations are different? I think of Lent as a re-commitment and a willingness to sacrifice that which gives pleasure to Our Lord and Savior.

Lovely post!

Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" said...

Rebecca: Wow, thanks for your nice comment and encouragement! I find it kind of strange that my silly posts get more comments than my serious ones, but that's okay. I always appreciate your comments. It's nice knowing I'm not the only one that feels this way. Cheer up, this is the last week of March! Now there's a happy thought for you!

Homestay Mama: Thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment. Glad to hear you are a believer too!

Mountain Woman: I guess I don't get Lent sacrificing because Jesus is our sacrifice and that verse from Samuel when Samuel confrtoned Saul pops in my head that "Obedience is better than sacrifice."

Nothing wrong with doing it though, just a difference among religions. I know fasting is mentioned but I don't find anything about lent mentioned in the Bible. Kind of think it must be a man-made tradition that some religions follow.

Always appreciate your comments! Thanks for visiting.

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