A Lented Follower of Jesus Christ

Ash Wednesday, Madigras, Lent, Holy Week, and the Passion of Christ are in the news and on some people's mind these days. Over the years I have had some good and interesting conversations and discussions with friends, family members, colleagues and church members about Lent. I have even been asked if I participate and others have shared with me how they plan to participate.

So I must say, I think lent is a little ridiculous. Actually, I think it is absolutely preposterous. Yes, I am aware that this is "out there" for some and may cause your heart to stir and may even lead you to become a little bothered. Good. Now that the blood is pumping and the mind is stirred please read on because I whole-heartedly believe in the deeper meaning of Lent and think that Lent is a lifestyle not a season and I desire to be a Lented Follower.

This Blog is about hope so I must explain myself a bit. It seems Lent was started with good intent and yet "the drift factor" has occurred. Lent seems to have been a time for people to draw near to God and dwell on God and His love, sacrifice and power as Easter Sunday approached. The conversations and discussions I have been involved in are about giving up Coke, electronic devices, chocolate or even a fav TV program or other trite aspects of life during the 40 days of Lent. in these cases "The drift" factor has definitely taken place and therefore I do not care for Lent. Well, I guess I do like Lent if we as followers of the Way would seek to live it daily. Not the practice of giving up Coke, electronic devices, a TV show or even a favorite candy bar, but Lent in the sense that we draw near to God, dwell on and seek to walk in God's love, sacrifice, grace, holiness, and power on a daily basis as we follow Jesus Christ. Lent is a seasonal practice for many Christians yet it needs to be a daily expression for all followers of Jesus Christ. I do know of followers who practice Lent in its full intent during the season, but I also know that they practice Lent in it's intent all of the time. So they are Lented followers (in it's full intent) all of the time. I mean they fast, pray, give, serve, read Scripture, love people, seek after God, struggle with God, love God, converse with God, are Kingdom oriented and seek to live in Christ 23/6 (No one is perfect).

So I say, "forget Lent, the season." Enjoy your Coke, enjoy your candy bar, enjoy the TV show, use the electronic device in Christ. "In Christ", if not in Christ then move away from these things. I mean, I like my Dr Pepper, but if I drink the Dr. as much as I would like to there would be so much more of me (weight) than there should be. Catch the meaning. It's not just about health by the way, it's about "In Christ" which is "For Christ" which is "About Christ" which is "Of Christ" and is Lent. The early Church had a mantra long before Lent came along, "Jesus Christ is Lord." They got Lent without Lent, because they walked in the power of God and gave themselves fully to God.

So let's get the lint out of our pockets, purses, pillow cases, dryer vents and socks and get the Lent out of our lives so the Christ of Lent, the Christ of hope can increase in our lives and we can then experience His power in and through us which will bring others to Him. After all, Lent is about focusing on God and when we really do that others will be drawn to Him.

Desiring To Be Lented Follower,
Steve Nethery