7 Things to Give Up For Lent

There’s snow on the ground and the breeze is ice cold, yet tomorrow marks the first day of Lent, which marks the 40 day journey toward Easter and a time of rebirth.

Tomorrow also marks the day where many Christians begin a time of fasting and using the weeks ahead to prepare their hearts for a celebration like no other, the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  So this year, instead of giving up the same thing you’ve given up in years past, try on something else for size with these 7 things to give up for Lent.

What is Lent?

Though Lent is not discussed in the Bible, it is a tradition that has been adopted by Christians for hundreds of years.  The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday (the first Wednesday in March) and continues for 40 days until Easter Sunday.  It is a time where careful practice and rituals are often conducted, including the practice of fasting.

Fasting is when a certain behavior or activity is not conducted for the a predetermined period of time.  Many Christians use Lenten fasting as a means to give up something that has become an “idol” of sorts or that interferes with their relationship with God.  People give up many different things for a variety of different reasons, but as long as their purpose is to seek a closer relationship with their Lord, we are not to judge their decision of how long it is conducted or what they have chosen to fast from.

7 Things to Give Up & Why

1. Food or Beverage
   One of the most common things that Christians fast from during the Lenten season is their favorite food or beverage.  They use this time to forgo their daily trips to Starbucks, eating chocolate or possibly indulging in carbonated or even alcoholic beverages.
   
   An idea to take this step further is to use the money that is saved throughout the month from not purchasing these items to contribute towards tithing or giving to as a charitable donation.  It may surprise you just how much money we spend in consuming these things that are not sustaining us, but rather providing temporary satisfaction.  Seeking to overcome the cravings from these items and seeking to fulfill the voids within us with God, is something to be commended, not judged.
2. Entertainment
   How often do you find you’ve wasted an hour reading through nonsensical articles online?  How about the amount of time that we spend in front of the television, blankly staring at a pixelated screen that broadcasts our favorite shows?
   
   If we really stop and consider the amount of time that we waste on a daily or weekly basis in these mind-numbing tasks, it’s rather outstanding.  No wonder our generation is suffering from eye strain and our relationships lacking!  If we choose to limit ourselves or even give up these types of time-consuming tasks throughout Lent, just think how much better our relationships with others around us, as well as our relationships with our Maker can become!
3. Extraneous Spending
   A pack of gum here, a new pair of pants there.  A cute handbag or a pair of sneakers.  It all adds up and the extraneous spending cuts into our income in manners that we often don’t want to think about.
   
   If we take a pause and give up this type of spending, we could use the money we typically throw away in order to help pad our savings accounts, put away for a special trip to see loved ones or fund an endeavor that you’ve dreamed of doing for years.  The money saved could be used in a number of ways, however, we want to be conscious that we’re not just shifting it from one extraneous shopping spree to another extraneous purchase.  It is important to consider using the money in a worthy manner, and one that can help to glorify God in the end.
4. Addictions
   We’re all addicted to something, it’s not just the “junkies” that are doing it.  If you don’t like the word addiction, then think of it as a habit that keeps you from completing other tasks or that are unhealthy choices. 
   
   I for one have a tendency to overeat since I eat too fast and do not allow myself the time needed for my body to register that I’m full.  Others may be addicted to smoking a cigarette after a meal. Whatever your addiction (habit) is, consider how you may be able to break free from these behaviors and move towards behaviors that are beneficial to life and your health.  God made us in His image to love one another; not to be Facebook stalkers.
5. Activities
   What day-to-day activities consume your life?  Do you spend more time at work than at home?  Do you find your relationships with family and friends lacking because you’re so absorbed in activities that pull you away from bonding time?  
   
   Take a look at your schedule and see what activities are draining you of life and hurting your relationships.  See what things you can break free from or spend less time participating in and make the move towards a healthier, less stressful and more loving life.  God desires happiness for you, especially when relating to others.
6. Social Media
   How much of our time is consumed scrolling through a never-ending stream of information on social media outlets?  I for one thing have been known to be checking Facebook from both my laptop and my iPhone, at the same time…sigh!
   
   Our society is social media-driven, which is a great thing in that it allows us to network and connect with others we may have never known, however, it is also a great time waster and can consume huge chunks of our days.  Consider limiting yourself to only small doses (set a timer) of social media check-ins during the day or eliminating usage for the entire Lenten season.  Just think about all of the free time you’ll have that you could be focusing on “Liking” the Word of God as you read the Bible or participate in a Bible study, connecting with the Lord of all.
7. Negativity
   Our news sources and news feeds online is full of negative and downright depressing information.  It’s become socially acceptable to laugh at jokes about women being told to go to the kitchen to make a “sammich” and degrade other people whose lives are “outside the norm”.  
   
   God didn’t call us to make fun of one another because of our differences, He called us to love one another.  Remember the commandment in Mark 12:30-31,
   “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  There is no commandment greater than these.”
   
   So instead of making fun of others, watching or participating in activities or behaviors that degrade others (including yourself), take the next 40 days to think in a more positive and encouraging manner.  You’ll be surprised how much better you feel in just a short time!

What are you fasting from this Lenten season?  I’d love to hear from you so that I can help to provide encouragement as we travel this 40-day journey together!

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