Here’s What I’m NOT Giving Up For Lent

Here’s what I’m NOT giving up for Lent

I’ve frequently observed the traditional giving something up each year during Lent as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for me. Common thing I hear as suggestions from others social media, excess TV watching, swearing, pop, and of course sweets. These days it seems lots of people just end up using Lent as a reason to diet, which can be frustrating (not the point)! Although, if Jesus is the motivation you need to make some positive life changes, then go for it.

I talked to Julie on Friday and she gave me the idea of adding something in. Doing something a little extra to better yourself and draw you closer to your faith. It reminds me of the concept of adding in when pursuing a healthier lifestyle — instead of focusing on restricting certain foods why not just make an effort to add in a salad, or a fruit, or an extra glass of water? Focus on doing more things that encourage health instead of labeling other things as “bad.”

So yes, I will still be following tradition and giving something up this year. But I’ll also be taking a few minutes each day to focus on these spiritually healthy habits. These are habits that often fall by the wayside, especially with a busy schedule. They are things that always keep me more rooted in my faith. The best part is the effect that spills over into the rest of my life. I am calmer and more centered when I make time with God a regular part of my life.

• Seek the Father.
• Embrace the outcasts.
• Run the race set before you.
• Glorify God in some way, every day.
• Put people first.  
• Pray… a lot. 
• Do things with excellence.
• Be loyal. Value team.
• Live a balanced life. Love God, love people.
• Keep things simple. 
• Pray daily for wisdom.  
• Set healthy boundaries. 
• Confront hypocrisy.
• Teach the Word.
• Pray for God’s vision, not yours.
• Serve the poor. We’ll learn more from them than they’ll learn from us. 
• Never forget, you’re not the only tool in God’s toolbox.  
• Never allow yourself to think you’re indispensable.
• Walk with the Spirit daily.   
• See everything, overlook a lot, correct a little.
• Don’t use words carelessly.
• Don’t forget your identity–child of God.
• Be you, not someone else.
• Don’t quarrel. Think before yelling. 
• Read widely, not just stuff you agree with.
• Never be co-opted by politics. 
• Don’t forget, we deserve Hell. It’s all grace.
• Admit you could be wrong about many things.
• Take risks. 
• Don’t throw away your reputation by making foolish, impulsive choices.  
• Don’t spend too much time being worldly.  
• Be trustworthy.
• Don’t pull rank unless there are no other options. 
• Don’t be afraid of humiliation. It teaches humility.
• Delegate things. 
• Practice spiritual disciplines.
• Forgive quickly. Don’t keep score.