The Lenten Sacrifice
So, it's that time again.
It's the time of year where people give things up for the season of lent.
This time of year frustrates me...
People give up such stupid things, they give up material things for no reason.
Many people give up drinking pop or eating chocolate. What good is that doing anyone? Sure, if you last the whole season you prove you have more will power and self control than most people who don't last a week. But what is the benefit? Is your sacrifice doing yourself or the rest of the world any good? The rest of the world could care less we you eat or drink, or in this case choose not to.
I feel as if the Lenten sacrifice should be something purpose driven. I should be something that will ultimately result in change.
For example: One of my choreographers is giving up Starbucks for lent. And any money she would have spent at Starbucks she is donating to a charity. That, my friends, is a simple but noble sacrifice.
Giving up pop, chocolate, coffee, or anything else of material nature is not getting anyone anywhere. It's not making you a better person.
Another idea is to think of your sacrifice as a time of fasting. Anytime you would have spent engaging in that activity, you can use that time to talk to God. That's pretty much what lent is all about anyway.
We lose sight of what lent leads to. The celebration of our Savior. Jesus is not glorified by your choice to stop doing a material activity. Jesus is glorified when you use that time and energy to make a difference.
The Lenten sacrifice is not an obligation, it's an opportunity!!!
It's the time of year where people give things up for the season of lent.
This time of year frustrates me...
People give up such stupid things, they give up material things for no reason.
Many people give up drinking pop or eating chocolate. What good is that doing anyone? Sure, if you last the whole season you prove you have more will power and self control than most people who don't last a week. But what is the benefit? Is your sacrifice doing yourself or the rest of the world any good? The rest of the world could care less we you eat or drink, or in this case choose not to.
I feel as if the Lenten sacrifice should be something purpose driven. I should be something that will ultimately result in change.
For example: One of my choreographers is giving up Starbucks for lent. And any money she would have spent at Starbucks she is donating to a charity. That, my friends, is a simple but noble sacrifice.
Giving up pop, chocolate, coffee, or anything else of material nature is not getting anyone anywhere. It's not making you a better person.
Another idea is to think of your sacrifice as a time of fasting. Anytime you would have spent engaging in that activity, you can use that time to talk to God. That's pretty much what lent is all about anyway.
We lose sight of what lent leads to. The celebration of our Savior. Jesus is not glorified by your choice to stop doing a material activity. Jesus is glorified when you use that time and energy to make a difference.
The Lenten sacrifice is not an obligation, it's an opportunity!!!