I grew up in a church (and still am part of a church) that did not celebrate Lent. So when I got to high school and some of my friends were talking about what they were giving up for Lent, the concept seems so foreign to me. According to what I’ve read about it, Lent symbolizes Jesus’ withdrawal while in the wilderness fasting for 40 days.
I think if it helps someone grow closer to God, then Lent is probably a good thing. However church leaders which push Lent should know that the concept is not found in the Bible, although the more general aspect of fasting is found in the Bible. If you try to make Lent into some requirement for salvation, then you are treading on thin ice.
In some ways I think Lent may have caused more sin. Last night in New Orleans people partied…doing who knows what….and then when the clock struck midnight….like Cinderella’s pumpkin, the partying stopped. So why is a certain part of the year considered more holier than the rest? Shouldn’t we be living 100% for God 365 days a year?
What does giving up caffeine for 40 days before Easter have to do with Jesus’ death? Instead of doing something fickle like that, why not do some real fasting; visit a shut-in; volunteer at your church. Just don’t try to make something fairly fickle like caffeine and somehow compare it to Jesus’ death on the cross.
However I’m prefacing this by saying, I’m not trying to bash someone who celebrates Lent. All I’m saying is that there is so much more you can do to grow closer to God, than by just giving up chocolate for 40 days….