I explore a different story each Wednesday. One easy option is to join me at “Bible Stories for Grownups” on Wednesday evenings at 6 PM. John’s offers a variety of Christian education all year long. This is a great practice for those who don’t know what to give up. Instead of giving something up, some people elect instead to “take something on,” adding a discipline to their lives that will deepen their spirits.
Give up sleeping in on weekends and offer your time to organizations that need it.Give up Facebook, Instagram, or other time-consuming social media and use the time to visit (in person) with friends or to write real cards, letters, and thank-you notes to loved ones.Give up Netflix, Hulu, TV, movies, or other media and use the time for prayer, spiritual ready, or meaningful time with your loved ones.Give up dining out and use the money saved to buy food for Second Harvest of the Big Bend.Here are some suggestions on things you could give up during Lent: Lent is about sacrifice and prayer don’t cheapen it by giving up that which is trivial.
It is well and good to refrain from eating cheeseburgers during Lent, but your motivation should have less to do with watching calories and more to do with pursuing God. Whatever you give up, be sure it’s for the right reasons. Giving something up for Lent is intended to be a continual 40-day mini-fast, a denial of something unnecessary in order to create new space for God in your life. Those who are truly austere may go so far as to refrain from eating altogether on certain days such as Fridays, though that is always best done in consultation with a physician. Other times it’s a leisure activity like watching television. This time of year, you often hear Episcopalians declare, “I’m giving up _ for Lent.” Sometimes it’s a favorite food like chocolate or pizza.
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