I was first introduced to the idea of Lent when I was growing up. All I really knew about it was that for several Fridays leading up to Easter we were going to have to eat nasty fish patties in the school cafeteria. That didn’t leave me with a very positive perspective. I just assumed it was some kind of torture that the Catholics did because they were kind of odd.
What I’ve realized since then is that we get so distracted by the things of this world that we need special times through the year to refocus ourselves on Christ. In its simplest form, that is what the season of Lent is all about.
You may feel uncomfortable with the name Lent. That’s okay. I’m not thrilled with it either. If you need to call it something else, please do. Several years ago, a pastor named Rick Warren started a program called ’40 Days of Purpose.’ I thought it was a very original idea. What I later realized is that he really just took Lent and repackaged it.
I once asked a wise man to define Lent to me in a sentence or less. He said he only needed three words: repentance, confession, and fasting. So over the next 40 days, that’s how we will work to refocus our lives on Christ. Repenting not only from our sins, but even more so from our sinful selves that have strayed so far from the image of God. Confessing our sin not to beat ourselves up, but rather so that we may find true healing. Fasting so that we would yearn for God in the way that we yearn for whatever else has been filling us, yet keeping us from ever being satisfied.
But first a word about fasting. We’re not going to ask you to fast from eating anything. Rather in the tradition of Lent we’re going to ask you to give up for these 40 days one particular thing that tends to consume your life. If it happens to be a sin, then you should give it up for good, not just for Lent. For example, if you’re having premarital sex, don’t give it up for Lent; just give it up all together. What are some things that you may want to consider giving up for Lent? Here’s a partial list to stimulate your thinking: TV, cell phone, chocolate, soda, coffee, caffeine, texting, facebook, myspace, American Idol, Lost, Sportscenter, Wii, surfing the internet, talk radio, MP3 player, etc. I’m sure you get the point.
Since our purpose is to focus on Christ, this guide will have daily readings from the book of Mark. It is perfect for Lent: it begins with repentance and ends with resurrection! Each day there will be a suggested reading, a devotional thought from the reading, and additional Scripture readings for all of you overachievers!
Enough talking! Let’s get started!
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