New Years vs Lent

Breaking bad habits is for New Years. Lent, however, is so much more. Lent is about spiritual growth.

Yes, giving up something is supposed to imitate Jesus fasting in the dessert for 40 days all while resisting temptation. But do you know what Jesus was doing while fasting? Check out Luke 4 or Matthew 4 for a moment.

Jesus had just been baptized. The Holy Spirit led him into the desert to fast. While he was there, he was praying. He was preparing for the work he had been given by his Heavenly Father. He was using the time to grow closer to God. He was fasting for clarity of mind and spirit. He wasn't alone in the wilderness, either. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. And after he resisted temptation, angels came and ministered to him. Moses and Elijah also both fasted for 40 days in preparation for great works for God (Exodus 24:18 and 1 Kings 19:8). They spent the time in prayer.

The idea of fasting or giving up a vice is about breaking attachments to material things and turning your focus instead towards God. This lenten season, think about what you're doing to grow closer to God, not what you're giving up. Instead of giving up, you could also think about taking something on.

I'm not saying your plan to give up chocolate/soda/fillintheblank is bad. What I am saying is that each time you are tempted to go back to that material thing, take a moment to pray or to read your Bible.  Faith needs to be tested to grow strong. My faith was tested when my brother died, but now I understand my faith better. Take a moment to think about how God provided for Jesus when he resisted temptation and remember that God will provide for all of your needs. When you are tempted, answer temptation with God's Word. Don't just rely on your own strength, rely on God to help you past the temptation.We need to know Scripture well enough to answer our doubts and fears and temptations with it. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

This year for lent, I'm doing a daily devotional in an effort to spend more time immersed in the Word of God.