I’m giving up, but not in the sense one might think. Lent starts this week, and I’ve decided to drop a few things from my life. This initiative may last through Lent (Ash Wednesday through Easter weekend), or it may become a longer term change. But for now, it’s a 40-day thing.
I’m not mentioning this for any accolades. What I need is accountability.
Of course, giving up is almost never a good plan. But in this case, giving up something actually takes more determination and wherewithal than not doing so.
Here’s the ticket:
Never give up, Christian. Unless, of course, you’re giving up something for Lent.
(That admonition would actually apply to any personal fast or sacrifice made in the same spirit.)
The Bible contains plenty of exhortations for believers never to give up. Here are a few examples.
One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. (Luke 18:1, NLT)
“I
have told you this, so that you will not give up your faith. (John 16:1, GNT)
One night Paul had a vision in which the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not give up. (Acts 18:9, GNT)
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1 Corinthians 13:7, NLT)
Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. (2 Corinthians 4:1, NLT)
That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. (2 Corinthians 4:16, NLT)
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, NIV)
Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people. (Ephesians 6:18, GNT)
Additional verses abound, urging believers to remain steadfast and strong and to never give up.
That’s great advice. And it’s not the kind of giving up we’re talking about, when we say we’re giving up something for Lent.
Having said all that, what’s the Lenten sacrifice?
Additionally, people might opt out of social networking, television, or other entertainments as a form of fasting during Lent.
Here’s a caveat: It’s not really a sacrifice to give up something we won’t even miss. For example, I’m not a smoker, so giving up cigarettes wouldn’t mean anything. I already don’t eat chocolate, so that won’t work either. And I don’t play video games, so promising to go without them would be pointless.
A genuine sacrifice means skipping something I’ll actually miss.
The goal is to redirect my focus onto the Lord and His sacrifice on my behalf (and yours), which culminated at the cross and became victory over sin and death at His resurrection.
So here it is.
This year, I’m doing without candy. Honestly, this isn’t a huge deal. Only a few candies actually tempt me. But we’ve just come through the Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Year’s to Valentine’s Day sweet-tooth indulgence series. It’s time. I’d like to build a candy-free habit into my life, and the Lenten season offers a prime opportunity to do that. During this time, I hope to direct my attention upwards, especially during those late-night moments when I might crave something sweet.
I want to crave the sweet presence of the Savior instead. (I’m not trying to be playful about this. It’s just that I need the extra reminder, all the time.)
Are you giving up anything for Lent?
If you are, I pray that God bless you in your sacrifice by making His Presence clear to you, helping you to keep your focus on Him, and meeting you in a special way this Lenten season.
Easter is coming. Hallelujah.
Related items:
· I gave up chocolate, but not for Lent.
· On Good Friday: Are my eyes and heart dry?
· Thanks = sacrifice to the Lord – 30 days of thankful Scriptures
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