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“What are you giving up for Lent?”
A pretty common question post-Ash Wednesday in this part of the world. But I think I have a better question:
“What are you gaining for Lent?”
The purpose of giving up meat, vices or any sort of fasting sacrifice is to GAIN time with our Savior. The purpose of Lent is not to heap ashes upon our heads – to punish ourselves for our sins. In fact, that’s sort of the opposite of the Easter message – that we have been forgiven because Jesus paid it all!
When you utilize the season of Lent to be with the Lord, you gain far more than you can ever give up. Time with Jesus can look like any number of things. You could spend more time reading the Word. You could spend time worshiping through music. Write your thoughts and revelations in a journal. Volunteer to set up or break down at your church. Read some challenging books of theology.
Jesus was pretty straight forward when He said the way to show your love for God is to obey Him (1 John 5:3). Let this season be transformational in your walk with God. You don’t have to ever go back to the way you were. In Jesus you are New Creation!
But I’m totally going back to the red meat. That’s happening. Just saying.