Should a Christian observe Ash Wednesday?
People of God, we sincerely sorry to go offline for a while, without pre-informing our esteemed readers in Nigeria, across Africa and all over the world. We regret all inconveniences.
Now, back to our topic of the day, should a Christian observe Ash Wednesday and Lent, especially when the Bible didn't say so?
Since the Bible nowhere explicitly commands or condemns such a practice, Christians are at liberty to prayerfully decide whether or not to observe Ash Wednesday.
If a Christian decides to observe Ash Wednesday and/or Lent, it is important to have a biblical perspective. Jesus warned us against making a show of our fasting: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18). We must not allow spiritual discipline to become spiritual pride.
Certainly, one should be sober and repent of every sinful activities, but not just on ash wednesday or during the Lent but that should be done every day. It’s a good thing to clearly identify oneself as a Christian, but, again, this should be an everyday identification. And it is good to remember that no ritual can make one’s heart right with God.
Posted via #SeriousMata AFRICA
No comments:
Post a Comment