"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.  And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.  And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.  Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said to the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.  But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord open to us.  Be he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh."  (Matthew 25:1-13)

I have heard it said that Lent is a period preparation and remembrance by either "denying oneself" or "picking something up" and while I agree with that, I also fear that there is much danger associated with the process if you enter into this season and your vision isn't focused solely on the glory and communion with God through Jesus.  The evil one would love nothing more than to blind our eyes so that our focus is on our personal acts of sacrifice or devotion rather than an opportunity to experience God.  Allow me to explain...

Many years ago, I fasted from all meat and dairy products (not as easy as it sounds) during Lent.  The first year that I did this, my focus was solely on drawing nearer to God through Christ and not on the act of fasting itself.  It was an incredible process and through the experience, I felt closer to God than I had in years.  I decided right then and there, that I would repeat this fast the following year.  Year two, however, became more about what I could eat and still "technically" maintain the fast rather than an opportunity to draw closer to God.  Year three was less spiritually motivated than year two and by the end of year four, it was brought to my attention that perhaps I was putting myself through this for the wrong reasons.  Ouch.  But the fact of the matter is that I was.  I was missing the bigger story.  When it is all said and done, much like in the parable above, if you have missed an opportunity for fellowship with our King, what have you really gained?

Please don't misunderstand my message.  I still go through periods of fasting and devotion above and beyond that which I already do - the difference, however, is that the act is focused on meeting Jesus in the middle of this life rather than the act itself.  Therefore, whatever you choose to do this Lenten season, if you choose to do anything at all, don't give the evil one any footholds into an opportunity to meet God.  When Christ, the bridegroom comes, be ready to receive Him....

Your brother in Christ,

Jim