If you’ve been online or talked with Christian friends from different backgrounds, chances are you’ve heard people talking about Lent. But, if you have been at Island Pond for any period of time, you may have noticed that we don’t include Lent in our traditions. Why is that? Are we missing out on something? Are other churches that participate in Lent doing something wrong? I want to answer these questions.
But first, what is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day period before Easter where some people fast, give something up, or try to spend more time focusing on God. It is meant to mirror the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness as he was preparing for his public ministry. Lent is usually celebrated by those from Catholic, Anglican, and other more liturgical backgrounds.
I will say from the beginning that people who celebrate Lent are not doing anything wrong. I certainly can’t look down on anyone who wants to take time to withdraw from some aspect of the world in order to focus more on Jesus.
But why do we not celebrate it? Let me give you several reasons why.
1) Lent Isn’t in the Bible
The Bible definitely talks about prayer, fasting, and repentance. Those are all good things. But it doesn’t say anything about setting aside 40 days leading up to Easter as a special season.
Lent came along later in church history and it was never modeled in the early church. Therefore, we should not feel any obligation to do it. If the Bible doesn’t command it, I don’t want to treat it like a requirement.
Again, that doesn’t mean Lent is wrong. It just means it’s not something God asks every Christian or church to observe.
2) We are Rooted in a Baptist and Reformation Tradition
As a Southern Baptist church, we come from a tradition that grew out of the Reformation. One big idea from that time was that our worship and church life should be simple and focused on God’s Word. That’s why we don’t follow a church calendar full of seasons like Advent or Lent. We’ve just chosen to keep things centered on what Scripture clearly teaches, and to live out our faith day by day, not just during special seasons.
3) Spiritual Growth Shouldn’t be Seasonal
I absolutely believe in spiritual practices like fasting, prayer, and self-reflection. But I don’t believe they should be limited to a 40-day window. Those are disciplines I want everyone to do all year.
The way I see it, you shouldn’t need Lent to get serious about your faith. If God’s working in your heart, start today. You don’t need to wait for a season or a tradition.
4) We Want to Avoid Rituals That Lose Their Meaning
Another reason we don’t emphasize Lent is because it can become more about the ritual than the relationship. It’s easy to fall into the habit of doing something because it’s expected or because others are doing it. Jesus warned about doing spiritual things just to be seen by others. This is not the case for everyone who celebrates Lent, but turning it into a yearly ritual can lead to the potential of people leaning more on outward actions and less on the heart.
5) We have Freedom in Christ
We’re saved by grace, not by religious rituals. There’s no rule in Scripture that says giving something up for Lent brings you closer to God. If someone wants to fast or take a break from something to focus on the Lord, that’s great. But it’s not a requirement. I don’t want anyone in our church to feel pressure or guilt around Lent. We’re free in Christ. That freedom is a gift, and I want us to live in it.
6) Every Sunday Is Easter Sunday
Lent is often seen as a way to prepare for Easter. But for Christians, every Sunday should be a day to celebrate that Jesus is alive!
If that is the case, then why do we celebrate Easter Sunday? After all, isn’t every Sunday like an Easter Sunday? The answer comes down to this: We don’t HAVE to celebrate Easter, we GET to celebrate Easter! It is not a Sunday “holiday” that we are required to do as Christians. It is one we choose to do.
Easter celebrates a specific, biblical event that is central to our faith. The resurrection of Jesus! This event is recorded in Scripture, prophesied in the Old Testament, emphasized by the apostles, and even called the foundation of the Christian hope (1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 12–20). While celebrating Easter isn’t commanded in Scripture (just like Christmas isn’t), the event it points to absolutely is. So we celebrate Easter, not because we’re following a church calendar, but because it’s an opportunity to focus on the most important truth in the world: Jesus is alive!
7) We Can Respect Others While Staying Faithful to Our Convictions
I have friends who observe Lent. I know many people take part in it. If someone finds it helpful and meaningful, I’m not going to argue with them. But I prefer to make Lent a 365 day observance. Let’s pursue Jesus daily and grow year-round!
Listen, you don’t need Lent to seek the Lord. You don’t need a tradition to grow spiritually. You have the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the freedom to pursue Jesus with your whole heart, any time. So the question should not be whether you celebrate Lent or not, but are you devoting your life to God every day.
Let me close with the words of Paul from Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.