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.