I am not familiar with any studies on the topic and I am no anthropologist but I have observed an increase, worldwide, in the ‘awareness’ of some of the more noble things in life, like family life and spirituality. At this time, I can point specifically to Marriage and Lent. There seems to have been a reversion of sorts where, like their fore parents, the young working class of the 21st century are marrying comparatively early. It seems they have diverted from Sociologists' projection of them delaying marriage in favor of career advancement and extended exploration of their sexuality etc. Similarly, at the start of Lent, many appear more spiritual and express a growing interest in parting with prized possessions or giving up comfortable habits for the period. While these two seemingly unconnected things are outwardly praiseworthy, it would be interesting to consider the heart of the matter. After all, the heart has been said to be deceitful above all else! Truth be told, if we do not marry out of true obedience and devotion to God and to another or if we do not engage in true fasting through acceptance and remembrance of what Christ has done for us, then we are treading on serious ground. We are just putting on a show. For... "Man looks at the outward appearance while the Lord judges the heart" 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV).
It is then important that we always question our true motives and discern the heart behind all our actions; not just during Lent but habitually, even for those actions that appear good. It must never be that we are just going with the flow, or getting caught up in another fashion trend or hype for... "Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2 (NASB). Think on these things.
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