Is Lent a Dead Tradition?

I grew up observing the season of Lent, often giving up candy or chocolate. One year I remember giving up bread! The idea was to give up something I loved…for Jesus.

Even after I left the church of my youth I carried on the tradition. For one thing, it was a way I could curb the things that had gotten out of control in my life, and I always seemed to be more successful when I did it for Jesus. 🙂

Yet, giving up something for Jesus was always a struggle, a form of denying my flesh and suffering like Jesus suffered. And when it was all over I dove right back in to whatever I had sacrificed. But is that what Lent is all about?

My church is observing the season of Lent. From extra services to giving up things, there is a variety of ways we can observe Lent this year, but my pastor made it absolutely clear that Lent should not lead to legalism. It should be about drawing closer to Jesus.

If I deny myself something, then I should fill that space up with Jesus. That’s what Lent is all about. In fact he said, if you need to stay home to meet with Jesus, then do it.

So I’ll be participating in Lent again this year with a renewed focus not because I feel pressured into giving up something, but because I desperately need to reconnect with my Lord. I’m not sure yet what I will sacrifice, but whatever it is, I’ll need to keep in mind that the emptiness needs to be filled with Jesus.

Are you giving up something this Lent? If so, why? If it’s because everyone else is doing it, or it’s expected of you, then I challenge you to reconsider. If it’s to fill that void with Jesus, then full speed ahead.