Resetting our hearts
A short article about Lent.
The term “Lent” derives from an Old English word meaning “Spring”
For many of us lent is a time when we resolve to give up chocolate or coffee or unhealthy food/habits. By abstaining from something for 40 days what are we hoping to achieve? Too often we focus on what we can gain from it: a slimmer figure or save some money or get healthier. None of these things are bad goals but is that all lent is really about ?
After his baptism Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (Matthew 4:1) After 40 days of fasting, he was tempted by the devil. The enemy tried to make Jesus forget who he was. But Jesus knew his identity was found in his father and him alone. (Luke 4:1 – 13)
What if that is the reason we participate in lent?
We have the opportunity during this time of fasting to realign our hearts and minds to the identity we have been give as sons and daughters of God.
So while we decide what to fast think about how abstaining from these things can help you draw closer to the one who your identity is found in. Whether you chooses chocolate or Facebook or gluttony or something else, remember the importance of using the space that this time fasting creates to glorify God, to reset our hearts and minds to the identity God has given to us.