A friend messaged me a question the other day that set me to thinking: “Why don’t Baptists celebrate Lent in some form?”

The first explanation is that Baptists began as a revolt against both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church in large part because of prescribed rituals the church demanded that were not explicitly required by Scripture. Lent is certainly one of those. While the idea of self-denial and fasting are both Biblical concepts, observing them as a ritual is neither prescribed as a mandate nor described as a common practice among early followers of Jesus. At some point in Church history, the Church established the practice as a necessary means to demonstrate one’s piety. For the most part, Baptists – especially THIS ONE – tend to push back against mandated outward expressions of religiosity.

Second, Lent largely has become a forty-day feel good exercise for many. They can perform an act of “devotion” for 40 days then live like the devil the other 325. Most people who observe Lent do not treat it as such, but rituals like Lent can give one a false sense of holiness. Holiness is found in a relationship with Jesus daily walk with Him, not in a religious ritual. “Being good” outwardly for a short amount of time is no substitute for walking with the Lord daily.

Finally, fasting, prayer, and self-denial are to be regular parts of our Spiritual Disciplines, not relegated to a season of time. Lent precedes our celebration of the most important event in history – the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, but we should live in the power and reality of the Resurrection every day.

There is nothing wrong with observing Lent and there is equally nothing wrong with not observing it. To assess one’s devotion or piety based on their observance of a ritual not commanded in Scripture is legalism. Paul encouraged the Colossian Christians to not let others pass judgment on them because of their observance (or lack of same) of festivals, moons, and celebrations. (Colossians 2:16-23)

So what is a healthy approach during the Lenten season?

First, on a daily basis cast off all sin and whatever other weights hinder your walk with Christ (Hebrews 12:1).

Second, practice regular self-denial (Mark 8:34). Our own desires compete for devotion that belongs to Jesus.

Third, be in constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and abide in God’s Word every day (Colossians 3:16).