Is Lent truly a Christian Observance. According to popular sentiment, the Lent season seems to most definitely celebrated as Christian Observance. Across Christian Denominations, announcements abound that they are entering a period of fasting, for one reason or another.
I have seen countless reports of people proclaiming what they are GIVING UP for Lent. In Catholicism, the Observance starts with a symbolic ash cross in their foreheads. And I believe Catholics were the first Christian Denomination to proclaim Lent as a recommended or require Observance. Most other Christian Denominations just simply state their plans and requirements for members, and some are very public with those plans.
But Isn’t Christian Fasting Always Good
The short answer is yes. Putting our flesh man under subjection does strengthen our spiritual walk. How the FAST is implemented does make a difference. That is, according to the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:16-18, he said “16 Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. NKJ”
It should be a solemn event between the faster and God. The fasting believer receives the greatest and ultimate return when they implement their fast as Christ prescribed.
Jesus Christ in the News
But I will also consider the teaching of Apostle Paul here. In Philippians 1:18 he says, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. NKJ” So Lent being proclaimed by so many, may not cause them to receive the ultimate spiritual reward, but it might cause Jesus Christ to be presented to someone who does not know him.
Conclusion
My first thoughts, concerning publishing this article was to demonstrate the flaws in how Lent is implemented. But, now that I consider I might not have written anything in this period if were not implemented as it, I must say it has an up side to it. So I encourage all Christians to fast often, and make sure you keep it as a private engagement between you and God. But, if you are married, you should only inform your spouse, so they know why you are skipping and doing without things you normally love.
