Lent is a time of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal, observed by many Christians around the world. The 40-day period leading up to Easter mirrors Jesus' time of fasting in the wilderness, encouraging believers to give up distractions and focus on faith, discipline, and personal growth. But in today’s fast-paced world, what should we really be giving up during Lent?
On our drive home from church on Sunday, my big daughter asked, ‘what are we giving up for Lent this year?’ To be honest, I told her being broke. Because, why not? In the car the kids discussed the foods they like and what they can give up based off love and comfort, but it was all food related items. This got me thinking - do we only think of things we consume during this period? When the Lord was tempted while in the wilderness he was tempted not only by bread, but also by power and the kingdoms of the world.
So let’s rethink Lent this year, not only to use it for self gratification, yes, giving up ice cream helps with slimming the waist lines and cutting calories. This year we will be giving up: mindless consumption, complaining and negativity, gossip and judgement and unhealthy habits.
Mindless Consumption: The era of constant scrolling and binge watching has left our minds overstimulated. I can’t be the only one noticing Netflix suggesting ‘binge worthy’ series when I log on to the app. So for this period, we can consider a digital detox. How many of us can attempt to limit our screen time? Let’s use this time to do some pray, reflect and engage in some meaningful discourse.
Complaining and negativity: it’s one of those things that can become us if we aren’t mindful of our thoughts and actions. So this season, let’s take on gratitude and self awareness. Don’t get me wrong, things can and will go wrong…I’m aware! But let’s try and focus on one thing that is going right in the sea of things that are going wrong.
Gossip and Judgement: Lord, how will some of us survive these 40 days without minding people’s business! Let’s try to avoid negative conversations, instead speak empathy, kindness and love into others. Let’s challenge ourselves this season.
Last but not least, we can attempt to give up unhealthy habits. Self-discipline is half way into a better life. Let’s give up something that is affecting our well-being: if you’re like me, this can be junk food on a Friday evening (cries tears), or those sugary drinks, maybe it’s smoking or alcoholism from your end. Let’s use this time to nourish our bodies and minds.
It seems like a big change, but lent is not about just giving something up, we are looking at the bigger picture, we are gaining something greater - renewed sense of purpose, greater connection with God, new positive habits that will last way longer than the first 40 days. Whatever you decide to give up during this season, make sure you are challenged and your faith strengthened. After all, we are all looking for our best versions of ourselves.
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