Give It Up

What are you giving up for Lent? 

Have you heard someone ask that?  Did you wonder what in the world they were talking about?

Lent is a Christian tradition in which believers pray, fast, give, or sacrifice something for the 40 days before Easter.  Lent officially begins Ash Wednesday, which is this week.  You may even see people who have a cross on their forehead on Wednesday night.  You can learn more about Lent and Ash Wednesday here.

Why participate in Lent?  It is a great way to prepare our hearts, minds, and bodies for the greatest day of the Christian calendar, Easter.

Lent is not about simply giving something up like a New Year's Resolution.  Lent is about doing (or not doing) something that interrupts your daily life that will cause you to pray, remember what God has done, and grow closer to God.

Here are a few things that people may choose to give up during Lent:

- Give up caffeine to remember that God is the source of all strength and energy.
- Give up complaining or negative comments  and ask God to show you the best in all people and situations.
- Give up listening to music in the car and take the time to have conversations with loved ones or with God.
- Give up television or video games and read the Bible or a daily devotional instead.


Katy and I will be giving up TV during the 40 days of Lent.  Instead we plan to read, listen to positive music and podcasts, talk, play games, and learn to enjoy the silence.

Here are a few things that people may choose to do during Lent:

- Read the Bible and/or pray every day.  
- Write 40 encouraging notes to people who have made a difference in your life.
- Run or walk everyday.  Less about physical exercise and more about time alone with God.
- Give something away everyday.
- This church is doing something different each day of the week.  

I am going to send positive and encouraging messages via facebook, twitter, and text message every day during the 40 days of Lent.

These are just a few ideas.  You know what would work best in your life.  What you do or don't do is not important.  Please understand, participating in Lent will not make God love you more or less.  Participating in Lent will develop and strengthen your relationship with God as you catch a small glimpse of the sacrifice and giving God has done for you.