Lent was never intended to be the only time we practice self-denial, living the rest of the year in self-indulgence. But we do need appointed times in our lives to truly practice self-denial, to strengthen us for the regular times. It is to be a remembrance time, walking the wilderness with Jesus, reminding us to ever resist temptation, deny ourselves and take up our cross as a lifestyle. Jesus said if we do not do this we cannot be His disciple. Self-denial is one mark of being Christian.
“Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:27 (NASB)
