Lent is the forty-day period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. During Lent Christians practice spiritual disciplines like fasting, prayer, and service to grow their intimacy with God and prepare to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Lent holds special traditions. Churches host fried fish dinners each Friday for those fasting from meat. Guatemalans drape their doors and windows with bright purple fabric to represent Christ’s royalty and suffering. Across the world, Christians often choose a focus for Lent ranging from fasting from social media to participating in silent retreats to serving the poor.
John the Baptist was tasked by God to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord”(Luke 1:16-17). He preached in the wilderness and baptized his followers in the Jordan River. His message was simple: repent, receive forgiveness, and bear fruit. By following these steps, his followers prepared for the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ
Lent is the perfect opportunity to practice John’s instructions. Like John’s disciples, we use this time to prepare our hearts for Christ. Focusing on repentance, forgiveness, and bearing fruit clarifies our priorities and sets the tone for Easter.
But following these steps is easier said than done. Humanity is busier than ever. How do you repent when you aren’t still long enough to realize you’ve made a mistake? It is difficult to hear God’s voice when we are constantly interrupted by calls, texts, and emails. We struggle to feel God’s forgiveness when surrounded by comparison and judgment.
Spiritual disciplines can aid us in our journey through Lent. Daily self-reflection reveals unhealthy behavior patterns. Reading scripture reminds us of God’s love and forgiveness. Ten minutes of silence quiets our hearts to hear the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Acts of kindness and self-sacrifice produce fruit that glorifies God.
There are a myriad of ways to fulfill John’s commands. Repentance, forgiveness, and bearing fruit looks different for everyone. John tells the tax collectors not to overcharge and reminds soldiers not to extort money or abuse civilians. If the prophet were here today, he might instruct parents to listen to their children or challenge physicians to heal with humility. He might exhort husbands to serve their wives or encourage the powerful to stand up for the powerless. All of us must follow John’s commands, but the result of these endeavors will be specific to our unique lives.
This Lenten season, remember John’s instructions: repent, receive God’s forgiveness, and produce fruit of new life. Whether you dedicate ten minutes or ten hours, may your time lead you closer to God, so that “all people will see God’s salvation” (Luke 3:6).
