Beloved Friends in Christ,

What a foreign concept! In the verse above, Jesus tells us to deny ourselves. But why would anyone do that?

Aren't we supposed to live life to the fullest? Doesn't God want us to have full and happy lives? While many today would like to think so, the truth of the matter is that God has said no such thing regarding this present life. To the contrary, Jesus spoke about denying self, being last instead of first, losing your life for His sake, turning the other cheek, facing persecutions and the like.

It is for this reason that Christians, during the season of Lent, emphasize self denial. Giving something up for Lent reminds us of Christ's command to take up our crosses and follow Him. And, historically, this custom received even greater emphasis than today.

Consider the practice of the Church before Rome had become thoroughly christianized. At that time, those who wished to be baptized received rigorous training during the Lent season, with Baptism taking place on Easter Eve. At the beginning of Lent, those who wished to be baptized would make a promise to give up their allegiance to the devil. Then, throughout the season, they would not bathe or shave. They could eat only after sundown, and spent their time primarily in meditation within the walls of the church. Then on Holy Saturday, they would undergo a public examination, and were left to pray and meditate into the night, eager for their Baptisms on Easter.

How different from today when we look for ways to avoid denying ourselves of anything. Could it be that these early Christians understood Christ's words regarding self denial, taking up ones cross and following Jesus more than we? And could it be that they had a deeper appreciation of Christ's sacrifice for them as a result of their practise?

We could learn something from these early Christians. Perhaps giving something up for Lent would be a helpful exercise for us all. What do you think?

In His service,

Pastor Richard A. Frey