So it's Day 2 of Lent and I've been noticing people on social networks proclaiming what they are giving up for lent this year... I'm not really sure how I feel about it, so I posted this status (Thanks Tami) to get other people's responses.
"LENT shouldn't be TRENDY. I mean seriously. It defeats the purpose... Is anything PERSONAL or SACRED anymore??? ijs. :-/"
Some of the comments to my status were:
"I approve of this status!" -I.J.
"Lent is something between you and your GOD!!! You don't have to broadcast it.. I mean it's ok with a certain friend or somethng and ya'll decide to do it together... but know you're reasoning for doing it... Know what Lent means... don't just make it a TREND like you said!!!! Everybody is broadcasting it all on facebook.. That just lets me know that they DON'T KNOW the significance behind it!!!!" -P.M.
"Do you think that some of that announce that they are observing Lent are trying to explain the significance of it?" -L.W.
"I have been doing this since a child! But do not throw stones at the one that shares with the world. Whatever I do I scream from the mountain tops. No shame in my game! If people appreciate a little support from their fellow man or woman, well I see no wrong in that!" -G.B.
My response to my friends were:
"Man! I think I might give up sex or alcohol! what do you think you're gonna do??" Or "Hey! what are you giving up for lent this time?! Girl, I don't know! I think I'm going to do something small this year like fried foods... I don't eat much fried food anyway... you should give up men. LOL!" OR "I'm giving up the female body for lent..."
@ L.W.... I don't think those are explaining the significance of anything...
@ G.B. feel free to do as you please... I'm not judging... but the statements above are clearly for "attention" or not taking the purpose of lent (fasting) seriously...
I've witnessed people on Facebook and other social networks, talking about it like a "trendy" matter... like "are you going to the party?! Girl what you are you wearing???"
Teaching, educating and sharing information with fellow Christians in one thing... but blasting it to the world on the world wide web (www) like it's "so cool" and "look at me..." I cannot gain an understanding of it's purpose.... OR RESPECT IT.
I just believe in the words of the bible... and the scripture below is proof...
16"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. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18
@ L.W.... I don't think those are explaining the significance of anything...
@ G.B. feel free to do as you please... I'm not judging... but the statements above are clearly for "attention" or not taking the purpose of lent (fasting) seriously...
I've witnessed people on Facebook and other social networks, talking about it like a "trendy" matter... like "are you going to the party?! Girl what you are you wearing???"
Teaching, educating and sharing information with fellow Christians in one thing... but blasting it to the world on the world wide web (www) like it's "so cool" and "look at me..." I cannot gain an understanding of it's purpose.... OR RESPECT IT.
I just believe in the words of the bible... and the scripture below is proof...
16"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. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18
Lent (fasting) is a season of soul-searching and repentance between man and GOD. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days.
Should your personal experience for Lent be publicized all over the internet? Or should it be view as a sacred & personal "sacrifice" between you and GOD?
What is YOUR view on this topic?
~JUST JEMIA :o)
