Lent

Yesterday I read an opinion article in the Wall Street Journal (print edition). “Lent, the penitential season before Easter, begins Feb. 14 and, with it, some personal sacrifice. That offering—a resolution—is meant to be bold, to help train our appetites and attentions higher.” Said Nicolas Tomaino, an assistant editor at The Wall Street Journal. He continued with, “Last year I gave up my accounts and also committed to go to daily Mass.” Should a Baptist be involved in something that is ‘Mass’ connected? Never. We are not to be involved in any way with the pageantry of popery. It has a vile effect on people. At least, that is my ministry experience. It has been a fierce enemy of the cross. It is a litany of confusion made by Satan, through men, who want control over every aspect of your life. In fact, their focus is mystical, magical, and constantly symbolic. All of which is extra-biblical and has brain washing effects.  

Mr Tomaino went on to say, “The latter was time well-spent, and the former a fruitful privation. Yet by Pentecost I was back online, more detached but still scrolling.” Proving that “lent” doesn’t matter at all in the grand movement of self-denial. Jesus does NOT say to give up something temporarily to Him, nor to allow a penance of ourself. It’s as if we are just willing to be vulnerable to our Savior only for a few days a year. No, that’s man’s religion, man’s tradition. Jesus said—die. Die to self and become a slave.  (Romans 6.16, Matthew 16.24-26, 1 Peter 4.1-11). 

The good catholic editor bridged his article with, “What to offer up this year?” I have an answer. Self. His answer was to give up scrolling on his phone, for those few days. Scripture tells us to consecrate our life, surrender our life, lay down our life, for Christ. (James 4.7, Romans 12.2, Mark 14.35-36, John 15.1-7, James 4.10, Proverbs 23.26, 1 Peter 5.6-10, 1 Corinthians 6.19-20, Jeremiah 10.23, Matthew 26.39, Philippians 2.5-8, Luke 9.23-24, Psalm 50.15, Mark 8.34-35, Galatians 2.20). After all, our life is hidden in Him. (Colossians 3.1-4)

Don’t fall for it disciple. Don’t do it. Don’t participate in the pageantry of the pagan so-called ‘church’.