Each year there’s a big buzz about what people are going to “give up” during Lent. Sometimes it’s kind of dramatic, followed by a daily update about how hard it is, followed by a huge release when Lent is over and a complete indulgence of said sacrifice. Often times, no lessons learned but maybe a few pounds lighter. If we don’t understand why we are doing it, it’s just mechanical. And needless to say, painful to get through the 40 days.
Because the truth is, no one really wants to sacrifice. It’s just not in our nature. We’re more of a need, buy, fill, grab, gain type of culture. If asked to sacrifice something, we’re likely to give up the easiest thing. That’s why Lent stings a little. It asks us to consider our life, what we fill it with and give something up. And if we were all honest, no one really wants to do that. Unless we have a good motivation.
So I’m proposing we reconsider the way we look at Lent. Rather than a something we have to do, something we want to do. Rather than being the same at the end of the season and retreating to our old ways, anticipating that we will be changed people as Easter approaches. So where do we start?
What Is Lent and Who Participates?
The season of Lent is observed all over the world in preparation for Easter. It’s a time of repentance and moderation as well as spiritual discipline to reflect on Jesus Christ’s suffering and sacrifice and ultimately his death and resurrection. Growing up, I thought only certain denomination participated, but Lent is something everyone can consider as a time of reflection, repentance and rebirth no matter your background.
Determine Your Motivation
As I approach the season of Lent, my motivation is my belief in Jesus Christ. When I think about the sacrifice made on my behalf I feel compelled to change. While it doesn’t make Lent easier, it makes it matter. There is a clear reason for the “thing” that I am giving up. It’s my hope that by removing an indulgence, behavior, attitude or really anything that I think controls me more than it should, my character, heart and ultimately my life will undergo a positive transformation that will in turn glorify God.
Decide What To Give Up
There are no hard and fast rules about what to give up for Lent, but it makes the season more fruitful if you decide to give up something that really matters to you. It could be something you don’t think you can live without or something you think controls you in ways it shouldn’t. The “what” is not necessarily as important as the daily practice of letting something significant go and the discipline to remain faithful to your commitment.
Replace The Sacrifice
Instead of sacrificing something just for the heck of it and powering through Lent, consider replacing the time you spent on the activity, thought or indulgence with a new behavior. Maybe you replace a nightly cocktail ritual with a walk after dinner with your spouse. Or you make time to read to your children instead of watching your weekly show. No matter how little or big the sacrifice, creating a new and healthy replacement will be a welcomed change. You may or may not decide to go back to the thing you gave up for Lent, but the act of self discipline can show you have the power to change your habits.
The Chic wants to know…are you participating in Lent this year? If so, what’s your motivation?
