Since this is Think-Biblically.com it’s important to point out at the start that the practice of celebrating Ash Wednesday is not found anywhere in the Bible. One should always be cautious of adopting spiritual practices not found in Scripture. There are organizations that attempt to guide Christians into a deeper spiritual state be condoning practices that are not found in the Bible and that may even be dangerous. The most influential of these organizations is Renovarè, who advocate the use of spiritual props some would consider occultic. One cannot go wrong in strictly adhering to the practices found in the Bible, which is sufficient “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3.16).

Also important to note is that Ash Wednesday is a tradition that started about 1,000 years after the resurrection of Jesus, and is therefore largely a Catholic tradition. This may make it difficult for some protestant Christ-followers to accept, yet to reject Ash Wednesday celebrations simply because it has its origins in the Catholic Church is not reasonable. After all, there are a great many holy days that stem from the institution – including Christmas. I leave it up to the individual’s conscience as to the benefit of celebrating this holiday, and wish to highlight some reasons why one might choose to do so.

Ash Wednesday takes the Old Testament practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes as a sign of mourning and lament (minus the sackcloth) and brings it into Christian custom for the purpose of preparing oneself for Resurrection Sunday. The ritual involves attending a service where one receives a smudge of ash from a palm tree, often in the shape of a cross, while the pastor or priest recites, "As you have come from dust, so you shall return." This kicks off the season of Lent, also a largely Catholic tradition.

Lent is a period roughly 6 weeks before Easter Sunday and is a time dedicated to showing how grateful one is for Jesus’ sacrifice by giving up something themselves for a period of time. It is an act, a covenant if you will, between the believer and God that shows thankfulness and reminds one of the cost of salvation.

To observe only what is Biblical is an acceptable and even practical way to live a godly life. Some practices, however, are useful in inspiring the child of God to good works. As a youth I recall my church handing out small, colorful stickers to stick to the face of one’s watch so that when one checked the time they would be reminded to pray. There is nothing biblical about the practice – indeed watches were not even invented until well after holy tome was written – but there is also nothing inherently evil about the practice either. I believe celebrating Ash Wednesday and Lent fall into this category.

Having grown up in a Baptist and Evangelical Free environment I’ve never observed these holidays, but am considering doing so this year. What about you? Do you celebrate this tradition? Will you start? If not, how will you begin preparing your heart, mind, soul and strength to celebrate the resurrection of your Savior in the coming weeks?