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Now that Mardi Gras is over, Ash Wednesday follows. This begins a 40-day period before Easter Sunday, which some churches call Lent.

During this time, some people choose to fast and repent for their sins. It’s a time when church members will deprive themselves of something they enjoy as a sacrifice to God. It’s not unusual for people to give up sweets, movies, television, eating between meals, alcohol, etc.

Years ago, when I observed Lent, I would make a commitment to myself to give up alcohol, but I never succeeded. It was something I enjoyed and abused, but not necessarily thinking about repentance.

Since I’ve become a Christian and am involved in God’s ministry of Get High on Life, I’ m conscious of people with alcohol problems. I often tell groups I address that if someone gives up alcohol for Lent, it could be a sign that they have a drinking problem.

It’s amazing how religion (man-made laws) makes repenting a long, hard, drawn out affair.

One of my favorite characters in the Bible is the thief on the cross. It was so simple. He acknowledged Jesus as his Savior and God, His Father. That’s all it took for Jesus to tell him that he was saved and would enjoy eternal life with Him and His Father.

In Samuel 15:22 of the Bible, it says: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?  Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, … ”

Is it pleasing to God for Christians to sacrifice in honoring Him?  Definitely, but it’ s not necessary for forgiveness or salvation.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477.