I was taught growing up that when the season of Lent rolls around that we should give up something to show our discipline to Jesus. And to me it made sense and to why we do that. Well it made sense at that time and still does but over the last few years I have come to realize there is more to it. Let me explain.
I now believe Lent should be less about giving up something and more about taking on something. I don't want to discourage someone from giving up something, I think that is great. But more importantly, what do you take on or gain when you give something up. I have made a discipline to give something up at Lent every year for the past 15 years. Sometimes I have succeeded and sometimes I haven't. I have given up things in the past such as cokes, coffee, fast food, and golf (ouch). Over the last couple of years I have focused more on what I am taking on as a discipline. It's kind of funny that if you give something up you at the same time can easily take something on as well.
So this year I am taking on spending more time developing my spiritual life by reading some of the 15 books on my reading list that I and others believe will help me (and others) with my spiritual life. Kathy and I are planning on spending more time talking each day and reading a couple of books together and discussing them. This will be made easier by giving up television. (this may prove difficult as The Masters and March Madness are during Lent) :(
No matter what way you look at it: You can give up something or take on something. The important thing is does what you take on honor God. Or if you are giving something up, does what you do with that extra time honor God.
So you might be asking yourself why have I underlined each occurence of give and take? Simple, we show our discipline for the love and sacrifice Christ gave for us. All we have to do is take it, free of cost.
grace&peace
kevin
No comments:
Post a Comment