What Are You Giving Up for Lent This Year?

While raised as a Christian but not a Catholic, my soul still resonates at the idea of Lent, which starts on March 6, 2019. 

During Lent, which is the 40 day period leading up to Easter Sunday,believers in Jesus Christ as Savior choose to give up something they enjoy but isn't good for them, such as smoking, eating sweets or swearing.

In olden times, people traditionally went on a fast of sorts-eliminating sugar, butter, meat and fat from their diets. Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, that day before Ash Wednesday when Lent starts, was the big feast of goodies to tide folks over until Easter.

As I understand Lent, the idea is for Christians to "participate in Christ's bodily suffering" as a way to experience the pain Jesus took on for us, and draw nearer to Him in daily life.

Obviously, the return to "normal life" that culminates with the celebration of Easter becomes even more joyful. 

Do consider what you could possibly "give up for Lent" this year-maybe it's gossiping, smoking recreational marijuana or being mean to others with different beliefs on social media.

At The Home Church in Campbell tonight, we'll start off with an Ash Wednesday service, as well as an online Lenten devotional series. LifeStudy Fellowship also offers a similar devotional series. The Biblical devotional site Our Daily Bread also offers a free Lenten Forty Days of Praying the Word Guide.

Lent gives everyone a chance to experience "What Would Jesus Do" in a very real way. 

Images courtesy of The Home Church, LifeStudy Fellowship and www.pixabay.com.

Thanks for thinking and praying about "What Are You Giving Up for Lent This Year?"