Give Yourself Up

 

Many times, during the Lenten season we talk about giving things up. We try to go through a time of penitence.

The different things that are often sacrificed for the sake of discomfort this time of year are things like; chocolate, desserts, carbs, coffee and social media.

Our goal is to feel the sting of sacrifice.

I think if we’re honest though, in this day and age, there’s not a whole lot we can do to put ourselves in a completely sacrificial posture. Let’s get real with each other for a second Western world…..we’ve got it pretty good.

The main purpose of “giving up” things in Lent, is to bring us closer to God; to prioritize God; to put God in the center of our minds and lives; to make God the focal point. So, when we give something up, we need to ask “Will this bring me closer to God?”

I think though, if we’re going to approach the angle of sacrifice even a little, it’s to “take something on”.

Every conversation these days seems to either begin or end with how busy everyone is. Asking for someone’s “time” seems to bring the biggest sacrifice of all.

So, with that in mind, what if we were to sacrifice our already designated sacred time to something? If we did that what would that “something” be?

What if the sting of sacrifice actually came in the form of engagement? What if the thing that actually brought us closer to God was more time with God and not the caffeine headache, we carried around from giving up coffee?

What if the goal of Lent was not to celebrate Christ with the pursuit of sacrifice, but the discipline of faith?

What if we changed three things in our life for these 40 days?

What if we…

1.   Spent more time with God by sitting in His presence and resting in Him; maybe setting our alarms a half hour earlier to spend some one-on-one time with God?

2.   What if we cracked open our bibles more? Investing time in Gods word is life changing. You might just start a habit you can’t stop.

3.   How about spending time with people who can help you grow? Growing spiritually is not a solo act. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5-11 “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” Pray for God to bring people you need in to your life as you walk with God.

How do you think God would respond if you asked Him if you should give up chocolate or spend more time with Him? I have a suspicion He would want the latter.

Sometimes we can’t see the forest through the trees.

It’s not that there’s anything wrong with giving things up, but we tend to lose sight of why we’re even doing that.

Give up the dessert….go without the coffee….but don’t forget the why. Ask yourself “Will this bring me closer to God?”

This Lenten season keep the main thing, the main thing. The main thing this time of year is that we remove the obstacles of sin, repent our brokenness to the Lord, give Him our hearts, and remember His sacrifice.

Give yourself up…to God.

 

-Pastor Patti