Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Give instead of Giving Up this Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the Lent season.  Lent is a time for prayer and repentance of sins, as Christians prepare for Holy Week and the celebration of Easter.  A common practice during Lent is to fast or give up certain types of luxuries.  Now I may ruffle a few feathers here, but I am not a fan of this tradition.  I realize that fasting and giving up something is suppose to help you grow closer to God, and in a way symbolize what Jesus Christ did for all of us during Holy Week.  But there is no way we can even come close to the same giving up of ourselves that Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.  And are you telling me that people that give up alcohol, chocolate or swearing during Lent are really doing that in recognition of the glory of God?  That is why today, on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, I am challenging all of you to Give of yourself in the glory of God.


So what are some ways we can Give this Lent you are now asking?  Well, here is a list of a few ideas I have and I'd love hear your ideas.  Remember to Comment for a Cause!
  • Read the Bible daily
  • Practice daily devotions and share your insights with your spouse, children, friends, etc.
  • Start a prayer team with a friend or family member.  Send each other a text or call each other every day and pray with and for each other.
  • Volunteer at your church or in your community.  Help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, etc.
  • Send letters to family, friends, shut-ins of your church and community, etc. and let them know how much they are loved by you and God (My friend Beth Ann has been doing this the last couple of years and I have been lucky to be on the receiving end of one of her cards.  It was very touching.)
I hope you all have a blessed Lent!

10 comments:

  1. Right on! Lent should push us outside of ourselves to give!

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    1. Thanks April! Sometimes I feel like what people give up during lent would be better as a New Year's Resolution, than a way to become closer to God.

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  2. You know that I love this post, Val. You and I are so much alike when it comes to things like this and it makes me smile to know that you have such a positive take on approaching Lent. Have a great "journey" to Easter.

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    1. Thanks Beth Ann! This year My Farmer and I are praying together and for each other daily. Praying out loud and with someone takes both of us out of our comfort zone and I know will bring us closer to God together.

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  3. Lent wasn't a big deal to me until I've joined the Catholic church. I'm actually going through the classes right now. It was explained to us that by giving something up we should be using that saved time/money to give back. You really shouldn't have the giving up without the giving to. So say you stop your daily Starbucks - that saved money should be donated to a greater cause. Or if you give up Facebook that time should be given as volunteering for those less fortunate or in prayer.

    Just thought I'd throw that out there! :)

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    1. I think that is a great way to look at it. I wish more people did.

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  4. Awesome post Val! I've been pondering how I can give back to my faith community this Lent aside from practicing more prayer instead of giving something up. Thanks for the ideas!

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    1. I hope you find a good fit that truly enhances your relationship with God.

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