Lent starts tomorrow (Wednesday, February 17). This is the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter used as a time for Christians to prepare themselves through prayer and repentance for Christ’s resurrection. Traditionally, Christians have used this as a period of self-denial to purge themselves of sin. Though not prescribed in the Bible, it can be a fruitful season for believers to remember their need for a Savior and fix their eyes more closely on Jesus.
Each year during Lent for about the last 10 years I’ve given up something that I’ve considered to be an idol in my life; something that I’ve grown an unhealthy attachment to. In the past, I’ve given up caffeine, sweets, beer and TV (not all in the same season, of course. That would be a true miracle.) and have found it to be an incredible time of self-examination and dependence on God. But this year I’m going to try something different. I don’t want to just sacrifice something for myself; I want to sacrifice something for someone else. I don’t want to just give up something. I want to give something.
For instance, my boys are giving up Wii (Purely on their own initiative, which is a miracle since they are addicted to the new Star Wars game they just got.) and are going to use the time to play with interactively with each other, make cards for loved ones, and help neighbors. A girl in our church is not charging the single mom she baby sits for during Lent. Another person is giving up coffee and sending the money saved to help the people in Haiti. Myself? I’m giving up beer (probably a good thing for a pastor) and giving the money saved (which is a TON! j/k) to the local AA affiliate.
Here are a few good guidelines to remember during Lent:
1. It is between you and God. Ask Him to expose your idols. He’ll show you what you need to sacrifice. It may not be what you think. You may not like it. You probably won’t want to do it. That’s a good indication that you should.
2. Don’t dictate to others. It is between them and God. So don’t try to tell them what they should give up or point it out when they slip up.
3. It is a matter of the heart. The temptation is always to make it about the rule rather than the relationship. If you do that, you will make you and everyone around you miserable and you will miss out on the blessing God has for you.
4. Don’t beat yourself up. If you slip up, confess it and move on.
Take some time and ask God, “What can I sacrifice in order to serve someone else?” I look forward to hearing what God does in and through you.
