Have you ever forgotten to clean the lint catcher thingy in your dryer?
It’s called a lint trap. It traps the lint into a confined space so it can be easily removed. Hopefully before starting any fires!
It is recommended that the trap be cleaned after every dryer use. Safety first! =-)
The season of Lent is almost here. Ash Wednesday, March 6, marks the beginning of Lent. Over a month later, 40 days later, we arrive at Easter.
Disclaimer: With my background, I have never intentionally observed Lent. It was not something I was taught while growing up. My comments about Lent are based upon my observations and conversations alone. If I get something wrong, I apologize. Please feel free to provide correction in the comments.
Now that I have cleared that up, let me ask a question:
How is a lint trap connected to Lent?
Keep reading and we can make that connection together!
For my purpose here, I will define Lent as I understand it:
Lent: a season of prayer and fasting to grow in relationship with God.
As I stated, Lent is not in my personal history. But I like the idea.
As a follower of Jesus, growing in relationship is my primary goal. God is largely unknown to us, but He wants to reveal Himself to us. The Bible makes this clear that God has provided access to Himself. All we need to do is to accept that gift and press in!
Lent seems like a great way to accomplish this goal!
But there is a trap! No, not a lint trap but a Lent trap! (see the connection?)
Matthew 6 describes people who have fallen into the Lent trap. Here is the first verse:
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
He, Jesus, goes on to talk about prayer and also fasting. This passage contains the Lord’s Prayer as well.
The summary goes like this: when you pray, fast, give money, serve etc., do it for God, not the approval of man. There is no reward for showing off for people. God honors those whose motive is pure.
It seems that some people can observe Lent but for the wrong reasons. They give up meat on Fridays. Perhaps they forego sweets. But why? Just because the church said so?
I want this post to address the heart of the matter. If you observe Lent or not, you can still fall into the Lent trap.
Why you do something can be just as important as what you do.
In case you are wondering, I am going to observe Lent this year. First time for everything!
I have my list of things that I will do or not do. I am ready.
As we embark on the Lent this year, do it for God. He wants a deep and fulfilling relationship with you. And frankly, that is what we need also!
So in the midst of your prayer, fasting, giving, etc., make God the priority. Do your best to avoid the Lent trap!
One last thing before I sign off. If you are curious or wondering what the 40 day journey of Lent looks like, come follow me on mine.
I will be posting every night during Lent. Let us share in God’s goodness together!
God bless you in your endeavors this year!
