Lent started yesterday with Ash Wednesday.
As I was reading through Northwestern Publishing House’s infographic on Lent to brush up on the traditions and significance of the season, I came across this question:
“Do you have to give something up for Lent?”
That’s the common thought, isn’t it?
So often, people think that Lent is a time when Christians are required to give up something, almost like a New Year’s resolution to eat less junk food and practice healthier eating habits.
Even if people don’t think that giving something up is required, that act is what often gets focused on—so much so, that even non-Christians take part in this religious tradition. You’ll see it flooding the social media accounts of influencers and famous actors, all trying to show what they’re giving up for the season: meat, certain meals during the day (fasting), technology, habits, and more.
“What are you giving up for Lent?”
Let’s be clear: There’s nothing wrong with giving up something for Lent. But the reason for doing so matters. Is it so that other people see what we’re doing and how much we’re giving up . . . or is it because we’re focusing on what our Savior is about to do—journeying to the cross to give up everything for us?
As our infographic rightly points out in answer to the question above, “Some Christian denominations practice fasting, prayer, and Bible study during Lent. These are not biblical requirements, but many believers see these behaviors as ways to help them focus on the meaning of Jesus’ life, sacrifice, and resurrection.”
God doesn’t require his children to give something up for Lent. However, in his Word, he does offer some instructions for us to consider if we decide to do so. Speaking to his followers, Jesus said this:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18).
Fasting—or any other abstention during Lent—doesn’t have to be any loud or noticeable action. It can be done quietly and without pomp or flair.
If someone were to notice and ask, “Why aren’t you [fill in the blank]?” that’s an incredible opportunity. Not to point to ourselves, but to point to our Savior Jesus.
So, dear Christian, if fasting or giving up something during the season of Lent helps you focus on your Savior and what he did for you with his perfect life, innocent death, and triumphant resurrection, God bless your efforts. And God bless your journey to the cross with Jesus as you wait to hear his victory cry: “It is finished!”
Lent is a time for repentance and reflection as we look ahead to our Savior’s innocent suffering and death. But the somber tones of the season also contain the distant sounds of triumph from the cross. These books from Northwestern Publishing House will direct your thoughts as you prepare to journey to the empty tomb on Easter Sunday.
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Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.
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