Giving Up, Lent.

Five things you might want to give up for lent.
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1.  Give up the past tense for Lend.
2.  Give up, giving up things for Lent.
3.  Give up new year’ s resolutions.
4.  Give up procrastination next Lent.
5.  Give up making lists.

When we talk about religion we very rarely talk about freedom. For most people the last thing that religion leads to is freedom.  For centuries religion has been synonymous with the law, with order, with structure, with boundaries and limitations. Some would argue that religion is a gift, that when accepted wholeheartedly, and with gratitude it brings life to the soul, body, mind and spirit. However, since Jesus’ death and resurrection, despite religion emerging as the defining force in culture, church, society and law, scripture suggests that Jesus came to abolish religion not to establish it! How is it then that although the Church of Christ is larger and more numerous than it has ever been (2.23 billion worldwide), we find that religion is still the defining force of what we do as a church?

For many in this country, turning to God has become more difficult. Believing in God is often seen as a limitation on freedom, not the spiritual and physical liberation that it claims. Is Lent just another example of ‘religion’ rather than freedom in Christ that the early apostles proclaimed? 

I know this might sound controversial but Jesus didn’t come so we could clear out our larders on Shrove Tuesday!  St Paul insists, in his letter to the Romans, that Jesus replaced the ‘law of religion’ with the ‘law of the Spirit’, and that through the Spirit we are set free (Romans 8:1-4). Unfortunately, Lent has become a time for physical detox, when we hope to improve ourselves in some way; but actually Lent is more about freedom and joy than it is about austerity and detox.  It is true that Lent is meant to reflect the wilderness experience of Jesus but you’ll remember that just before those 40days in the wilderness, John the Baptist said “Repent”, which means “Turn to God”. Turning to God is the most freeing thing we can do. When we turn to God we rediscover the personal relationship that God longs to have with us. And so instead of Life/Lent being bound by religious or even cultural obligations it becomes uninhibited and liberated by the love of the One who came to save us.

If you are to give up anything for Lent this year, why not give up the often religious or cultural observances that are popular at this time of year, and instead give in to God. And with it I pray that you will know the joy and freedom of His companionship, and love for you.

May the freedom of Christ be with you and all whom you love. Jeremy.