Before you choose something to give up for Lent, ask yourself a couple of questions:
- What habits do I engage in that are destructive to my spiritual health?
- To what material things am I too attached?
- What areas in my life are unbalanced?
- To what do I devote too much or not enough time?
After asking yourself questions like these you are ready to decide what to give up or what to add to your life during Lent. Look over this list for some ideas to aid you in your spiritual growth.
- Give up candy/sweets.
- Give up television time.
- Give up eating snacks between meals.
- Give up or limit soda or coffee.
- Give up or limit video games.
- Spend more time with family.
- Give to the poor.
- Do an extra chore each day.
- Perform a random act of kindness.
- Spend more time in prayer.
Related Posts:
4 comments
1 ping
Skip to comment form ↓
Just Ramblin' Pier
March 14, 2011 at 8:24 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Very interesting thoughts. It is difficult to give up anything wanted. Ask Him that. Ice cream, treats, TV are nothing compared to His sacrifice.
barefootpreachr
March 14, 2011 at 8:38 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is so true – and a reminder of our weakness apart from Him. Isn’t that the point of Lent in a way? For us to reexamine the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice by giving up – abstaining from – our own temptations? Good thinking!
R. Eric Sawyer
March 13, 2011 at 10:24 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Actually, I’m giving up all TV, so that I can do some of the other things.
But this morning, our priest mentioned hearing folks talk about “giving up gossipping for Lent” He said, “That’s great! I’m giving up adultry, murder and theft!”
His point was that stopping a sinful practice is NOT a lenten discipline -but a mandatory requirement. They need to simply be stopped.
barefootpreachr
March 14, 2011 at 4:24 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
He certainly makes a good point. Too many people forget that we are required to remove our sins from our lives in order to move towards sanctification. Spiritual disciplines help us refocus our life lens towards God and repent our sins. It is a shame when we do not avail ourselves more often of the practices that help us grow deeper in our faith.
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
Many blessings to you & yours ~
Lent Bible Study – 40 Days in the Gospels « Walking in the Wilderness
March 19, 2011 at 3:14 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] Ask Yourself … (barefootpreachr.org) [...]