Baptists, Lent and Peanut Butter

Is there something you really like? Think about it for a minute. How about a favorite beverage. Some people drink Dr. Pepper everyday, not because they're addicted, but because they like Dr. Pepper. For some it's that morning cup of coffee. Maybe it's not a beverage. It could be a favorite TV show or, gasp, emailing or something at work.

For me it's peanut butter. Life seems to revolve around peanut butter. I'm not addicted but if it's in the house it must be eaten. I'll eat it on just about anything. Toast, potato chips, cold pizza or a bake potato. It doesn't matter. Peanut butter makes everything taste better. It's a life enhancer. Some friends would say that coffee is my thing. Coffee is great and is imbibed from morning until late at night. But peanut butter... that's a different story.

Since our pastor, Rick Thompson, arrived a few years ago he's challenged us to participate in Lent. For most people being Southern Baptist means you don't participate in Lent. Nobody really knows why. The Catholics have had that corner of the market since anyone can remember. But for Baptists it's rarely, if ever, done.

Lent is that period of time that begins 40 days before Easter, Resurrection Sunday. In a nutshell Lent is a period of fasting, praying and alms giving. For many Lent has been the the tail end of a joke. But the purpose Lent is to give up something that's important to us so when we think about it we're reminded of what Jesus gave up for us, His life.

Prayer is naturally of utmost importance. How else can you communicate with Him? Oh sure, you can say you can pray while you're on the golf course, but you don't go to the golf course to pray. Prayer should be something you come to a complete stop to do. Yes, you can pray while walking but when you're quiet before the throne of grace your mind can focus on God. During Lent we it would do us all good to find a time of quiet and focused prayer and Bible reading that's different than normal.

Alms giving is giving of your time or money to those in need. It doesn't have to be someone you don't know. You have neighbors and relatives. Think about being kind toward people for 40 days and you'll be better for it. What are you like in traffic? That would be a good start wouldn't it.

Lent is good and shouldn't be taken lightly.