As Christians continue into Lent, it is important to be reminded what this season is to accomplish.  The world has taken the idea of Lent and looks at it as a time of punishment.  Someone is going to deny themselves something they enjoy.  The spiritual idea of fasting has nothing to do with punishment.  The goal of fasting and the aim of Lent is not to punish a Christian in some form of penance for their sin.

Lent is an opportunity for each Christian to find something in their lives that they can eliminate which is then to be filled with something better; time with God.  For example, if someone gives up sweet tea for lent, every time that person would have had a sweet tea or whenever they desire one, they use that time to thank God.  They recite a special prayer or repeat meaningful scripture.  Fasting is not a punishment; fasting is an act of obedience to give God back the time that is His in the first place.

“Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.   Matthew 6:16-18

God’s redeemed should celebrate through fasting as they are submitting to the will of God and spending more time focused on Him and the amazing truth of His plan of salvation.  Do not be like the world and take the “woe-is-me” approach because you have given up that treat.  Take the obedient approach and praise God that He has given you the courage to spend more time focused on Him!