Lent.

Today was the first Sunday in Lent - that season in the Christian calendar that, like so much else, seems to have been hijacked by those who profess no allegiance to (or even interest in) the Christ of the cross.  It seems to be just another photo-shoot opportunity for so-called 'stars' to let us all know which particular item they are going to be "giving up for Lent"!

But what is Lent?  What is the real thinking behind it?  May I suggest that it has all to do with Jesus.  The Lenten period is a reminder, not that He "gave up chocolate" (I doubt if any would have been available in the Middle East of the time!), but that He spent forty days in the wilderness area, culminating in the attempts, by the devil, to sidetrack Him from obedience to the Father's will. (Matthew 4:1-11, et al).

Lent, if it is to be in any way meaningful, should surely be a time when we seek to concentrate our minds more on Him.  We, too, are subject to the temptations of the evil one.  Peter reminds us that he "... prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (I.Peter 5:8).   Just last night, I was watching a television programme that showed lions (actually, lionesses!) hunting.  It isn't just the speed of the great cat that is employed.  Indeed, speed is of secondary importance!  What those lionesses used was cunning strategy.  They targetted their prospective lunch, and worked, together, to bring it down.

The devil is no less cunning.  He knows me better than I know myself (although not as well as the Lord knows me).  He knows my weaknesses; my "Achilles' heels".  He also knows my strengths - few 'though they may be - and he employs all of that knowledge to attack me where he has most chance of success.

The fasting aspect of Lent, which is much more than giving up chocolate, or whatever, is an opportunity for me to use the senses that are thus sharpened in my defence.  If I give up an activity, then the time I would otherwise have used, should be used in alternative activities that will draw me closer to Him.  If I save money through this period, it should surely be given to a cause that is seeking to exalt His Name in our day.

Of course, I don't want to be "religious" about all of that.  I recall what Jesus had to say about those who act thus:  "And when you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men.  Truly, I say to you, they have their reward.  But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, thatyour fasting may not be seen by men but by you Father Who is in secret; and your FatherWho sees in secret will reward you." (Matt.616-18)

Lent - let it be to His glory!