What Is Lent?
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

What Is Lent?

And how you can observe it this year.

11
What Is Lent?
Google Images

I’m sure many people know that this Tuesday is Mardi Gras. But probably fewer people know that the very next day is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. For some of you, particularly those of you who grew up observing Lent, this might be something you are looking forward to. But for those of you who did not grow up observing Lent (this group includes myself), Lent can perhaps be something that is strange and confusing. I’m here to clear up some of that confusion.

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding during the week of Easter. 40 days is a significant span of time because it represents a time of testing, particularly the time of testing and fasting Jesus observed before beginning His ministry (Matthew 4).

Lent is a time of repenting and refocusing. It is meant to be a time to prepare our hearts to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Easter. Lent isn’t supposed to be easy; it’s actually supposed to challenge us in our faith and everyday life. But the difficulty of fasting during the 40 days of Lent only heightens the sweetness of the gift of salvation God offers to us.

Fasting for Lent doesn’t always mean not eating food. There are a lot of different ways you can fast, so it will look different for each person. The point is to give up something in your life that distracts you from your pursuit of Christ. Here are a few non-traditional suggestions of things you can fast from:

1. Netflix

Netflix can be a great way to relax and take a step back from the world. However, it can also be a great source of distraction. Often it is used as a means of procrastination with our work, and can also be used as an excuse to not have quiet time in fellowship with God. If this sounds like something you do, you could consider fasting from Netflix.

2. Music

This is something that isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it’s actually a great way to bring praise and glory to God. But sometimes we can use it as a way to keep us from hearing God’s voice in our lives. If you give up music for Lent, use the silence to listen to God’s still small voice in your life.

3. Social Media

Social media is a great way to get sucked into the trap of comparison. Comparing ourselves to others and playing “Keeping Up With The Jones’s” takes our focus right off of God and puts the focus on self. It can lead to thoughts of “How can I make myself better?” Lent is a time to reflect on the sacrifices God has made for you, rather than focusing on how you can be better than your friends on social media.

4. Complaining

This one is so much harder than it seems. I did my best to fast from this last year, and I don’t think I did so great. By complaining, we allow ourselves to get stuck in a mentality of “My situation sucks and there’s nothing I can or want to do to improve it.” Instead of complaining, pray about those things that frustrate you. Have discussions with people on how to improve a situation. This will help shift your focus back to God.

5. Gossiping

Sometimes gossip happens when you don’t even realize you’re doing it. Talking about others negatively, and encouraging others to do so, is not a behavior God wants you to partake in. Christ died for all people. Seriously, ALL PEOPLE. You are no better and no worse than the people in your life. Remember that Jesus died to save others as well.

6. People Pleasing

When we focus too much on pleasing other people, that becomes our primary purpose in life. We forget all about how we ought to strive for holiness and godliness. We just want to make sure everyone gets along and no one is displeased with us. While joy and peace are things God would like for us to work for, people pleasing is not because it focuses on other’s opinions rather than God’s.

7. Sleeping In

Sleep is a good thing and you should definitely do that. But too often I hear the excuse of tiredness being the reason people skip church or don’t read their Bibles. If this is something that you do, challenge yourself that for 40 days you will put fellowship with God as a priority over extra sleep. Jesus gave His life for you. What can you give for Him?
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57574
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37090
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958815
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191417
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments