Pastor John Granchie.

Lent began as a way for professing Catholics to remind themselves of the value of repentance. Many people believe that giving something up or fasting for Lent is a way to attain God’s blessing and grace. But the Bible teaches that grace cannot be earned; grace is, by definition, a gift. Also, when Jesus taught about fasting, He said this should be done discreetly: Matthew 6:16-18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen.”

Fasting can be a wonderful thing, and God is pleased when we repent of our sinful lifestyles. There is absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside some time to focus on Jesus’ death and resurrection in fact I encourage it. However, repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not just for the 46 days of Lent. This should be the way Christians live daily, He must increase, we must decrease.

As Christians we need to understand that the key to our lives is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God every day. Lent should not be a time of boasting of one’s sacrifice or trying to earn God’s favor or increasing His love. God’s love for us could not be any greater than it already is. His love for us is perfect and our love for Him must continue to grow daily as we walk out our faith in Him.

Lent is a great time to clearly identify oneself as a Christian, but again, this should be an everyday identification by the way we live. It is also good to remember that no ritual can make one’s heart right with God.Being right with God is a matter of your response to what God has done on your behalf. He sent the Savior His Son Jesus, He provided the sacrifice to take away your sin with His Death and Resurrection, and He offers you this promise: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).

In Christ’s Love.

John Granchie is the pastor of Peace Church in Gladbrook.