Lent is a time to reorient oneself toward God. It is a time to recall and renew our baptism to Jesus. In Matthew 4, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert for a time of fasting and temptation. In scripture, the idea of 40 day rhythms are practiced, and this in part has led to our practise of Lent for 40 days.
One of the major practices of Lent is fasting. Often people will seek to give something up over Lent. But, why and what is the purpose?
The idea is to give something up in order to be reminded of your need for Jesus. The absence of something helps you turn away from whatever is distracting you in order to turn to Jesus. In a way, giving something up is a form of fasting.
One practice may be giving up one meal a day. During the time you would normally spend eating, you would then spend in prayer. Another person may give up tv/media, which for many today consumes a major part of one’s life. Then you can take this time to read scripture, and pray. One could even read a book to stimulate spiritual growth.
We give something up in order to cause our hearts to turn to Jesus. Giving something up can reveal the idols we have in our lives. We deprive ourselves of pleasure or indulgence to offer a sacrifice up to God. Let the hunger you feel for what you give up drive you to Jesus. Let the hunger you feel remind you of who you are (Romans 3:10; 5:1; 1 John 3:1).
3 Building blocks for where to start:
a. Take some time to think about what you will give up. Something you enjoy, a bad habit, or turn the media off.
b. Decide how it’s going to work? For example, if it is giving up tv, what will you do with that time? If it is giving up sweets, how will you respond when you crave the sweets?
c. Let someone know so that they can ask how it is going and help you in this journey.
A Warning
Do not give something up for the sake of giving something up. This is about seeking the King. We want to climb the mountain, and spend some time listening to God. You give something up in order to grow closer to Jesus and understand yourself, not because of a pressure from someone or from a group.
Ask yourself this question: Is God leading you to an extended period of time in his presence? Could you use this season to disciple a new believer or help one grow? How could giving something up help in self-examination? Could you use this season to freshen your spiritual disciplines to deepen your heart’s desire for Jesus?
When you give something up, do not announce it. Jesus says in Matthew 6:18, Do not let it be obvious to others that you are fasting, “but only to the Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” This is not about seeking praise from people, but drawing close to God to know him, and to know who you are.
What will you give up for Lent?
Why will you give it up?
What has been your experience in giving something up over the lent season? Did it help? Why or why not?
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