Harold E. Long | March 3, 2025

Lent as a Season of Growth—No Faith Required

Lent is a Christian season of reflection and preparation leading to Holy Week, commemorating the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting, praying, and resisting temptation before beginning his public ministry. While traditionally associated with Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant traditions, Lent offers valuable spiritual and personal growth opportunities for people of all faiths—and even those who do not identify with any religious tradition.

Observing Lent can be a meaningful practice regardless of one's beliefs. It provides a time for self-examination and discipline and an opportunity to cultivate gratitude, mindfulness, and renewal. Whether one is Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Native American, part of the recovery community, or secular, Lent presents a season of intentional living that can benefit everyone.

But first, let's explore the origins of Lent.

Lent in the Bible: Where Does It Come From?

Jesus fasted and spent time in solitude in the wilderness, as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13.

Jesus' 40-day journey mirrors earlier biblical stories: Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:27-28), and the prophet Elijah traveled for 40 days to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:1-18) before encountering God. These moments in Scripture highlight the significance of solitude, self-discipline, and spiritual purification before stepping into more significant responsibilities.

The early Church adopted this pattern of fasting and reflection, and by the fourth century, Lent had become a universal Christian practice. The word "Lent" itself comes from an Old English word meaning "springtime," symbolizing renewal and growth.

10 Ways to Engage with Lent (Even If You're Not a Christian)

Lent is a Christian season of reflection and preparation leading to Holy Week. It commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting, praying, and resisting temptation before beginning his public ministry. Lent emphasizes fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, but its principles can be applied by anyone seeking spiritual or personal renewal.

Practice Daily Reflection or Meditation
Lent is a season of introspection. Setting aside time each day for self-reflection, whether through prayer, mindfulness, or quiet contemplation, helps cultivate awareness and clarity. Journaling about personal growth, struggles, or gratitude can also be a powerful practice during this season.

Fast or Give Something Up
Fasting isn't just about abstaining from food—it can involve any habit or indulgence that distracts from a more intentional life. Many people give up social media, caffeine, gossip, or other distractions during Lent. Consider fasting from something that hinders your growth or mental well-being, and use that time for reflection or meaningful activities.

Embrace Simplicity
Lent encourages a mindset of simplicity and contentment. Decluttering your home, simplifying your schedule, or minimizing unnecessary consumption can create space for greater peace and focus. By letting go of excess, you make room for more profound joy and connection.

Engage in Acts of Kindness and Service
Giving to those in need—whether through financial donations, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness—aligns with the Lenten call to generosity. Consider supporting a cause that matters to you, reaching out to someone struggling, or performing random acts of kindness.

Spend Time in Nature
Jesus retreated to the wilderness for his 40-day fast. Nature has long been a place of spiritual renewal across many traditions. Take time for walks, hikes, or quiet moments outside. Observing creation can be a powerful reminder of our place in the world and our interconnectedness with all living things.

Study Wisdom and Sacred Texts
Lent is a time to seek wisdom. Immersing yourself in spiritual or philosophical texts can inspire and challenge you, whether you read the Bible, the Quran, Buddhist teachings, Native American wisdom, or recovery literature. Could you reflect on how these teachings relate to your life?

Confront Personal Temptations and Challenges
Jesus faced temptation in the wilderness, and Lent invites us to examine our own struggles. What habits, thoughts, or behaviors hold you back? This season can be a time to confront those challenges, seek personal transformation, and cultivate resilience.

Cultivate Gratitude
Lent is an opportunity to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. Developing a daily gratitude practice—writing down three things you are grateful for each day—can foster a sense of contentment and peace. Gratitude is a proven way to improve mental health and overall well-being.

Deepen Community and Relationships
Use Lent to reconnect with loved ones, repair strained relationships, and be present for others. Strengthening your relationships, whether through acts of service, intentional conversations, or quality time, can be a meaningful way to observe this season.

Create a Personal Ritual or Commitment
Not everyone will observe Lent in the same way. Consider creating your own meaningful ritual—whether setting aside time for solitude, writing daily reflections, engaging in creative expression, or dedicating time to a cause that inspires you. What matters is the intentionality behind your practice.

Conclusion: A Journey Toward Renewal

Lent reminds us of our mortality ("from dust we came, and to dust we shall return") while offering a path toward renewal and transformation. You don't have to be Christian to engage in this journey. Whether you approach Lent through prayer, fasting, generosity, solitude, or self-reflection, this season allows you to cultivate growth, gratitude, and deeper awareness.

I'd love to connect with you if you're curious about Lent and its impact or want to explore a Jesus-centered life.

Please feel free to contact me for more resources, coaching or to continue the conversation.

For Freedom and Transformation,
Harold E. Long

About the Author
Harold E. Long is a Certified Mental Health Coach, Senior Teaching Pastor, and church planter, preparing to launch a new church in Missouri in late 2025. As the author of The BIG Delusion: Shattering the Delusions of Alcoholism and Addiction www.thebigdelusion.com, he is committed to helping people—regardless of their background—experience healing, faith, and transformation.

Through transformative initiatives, Harold creates a Jesus-centered community through Transformation Church (www.transformer4life.org). He embraces those in recovery and fosters connections with people from all walks of life, including secular people. With a deep passion for recovery and spiritual renewal, he provides faith-based resources, coaching, messages, and writings that inspire healing, freedom, and wholeness. Through teaching, speaking, and outreach, he shares The Best News Ever—the life-changing power of Jesus.

Join the conversation or connect with Harold through his social media platforms:

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Harold will launch his next book on April 7, 2025, order yours today at www.thebigdelusion.com. If you would like to learn more, you can contact Harold Long for resources, coaching, or to continue the conversation.

(Photo by Jamie Ginsberg on Unsplash.)