A Last Minute Lenten Challenge
Being married to a Lutheran means that I’m more aware of the Church calendar than my low church background would belie. Thanks to my wife’s influence, I’ve decided to give something up for Lent. I wanted to pick something that would have a definite impact on my life. I thought (ever so briefly) about foregoing my non-work computing, but I’m in the middle of a project that needs regular attention. I’ve given up sweets before (not for Lent) and TV would be rough during primary season.
What this left me with was something near and dear to my taste buds, something that stays with me for a long time (in the form of a few extra pounds). Yes, I’m talking about beer. Although I have cut back in recent weeks, I had been drinking quite a bit of beer. I wasn’t drinking to excess (only one or two at a time), but I wasn’t taking the best care of my gut and liver either. So, I have made the decision to give up beer for Lent.
Here’s the catch: I’m challenging you to do the same.  This challenge isn’t for all of you, but for those who it is intended for, you know who you are. The way it works is that you abstain from beer all week, and then on Sunday you can drink it. The point is to give something up and replace that thing with God.  It’s not a test of wills, and there’s no point if you simply stop drinking beer and get upset every time you can’t have one. The idea is to have your desire for what you gave up remind you of what God gave up for us on the cross.
If this won’t do anything for your walk with Jesus, don’t do it, but I would encourage all of you to at least consider giving something up for Lent. Again, it’s not legalism or pointless tradition, fasting is an essential spiritual discipline that can strengthen our relationship with God (perhaps more on that later, but for now see Matthew 6).
Lent begins tomorrow and goes through Palm Sunday (March 16). It’s 40 days long (not including Sundays). If you’ve decided to join me, let me know on Facebook or in the comments. Remember, this isn’t a test of wills; it is supposed to remind us of Christ’s sacrifice and teach us to rely on him.
On that note, I’m off to grab one last cold one…
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My former roomate had steely resolve about giving up something for lent (usually pizza which was torturous for him).
I seem to have given up lent for lent, but I think I need to pull it back together here.
btw, glad your not divorced. I was beginning to think that finding out about major events in friends lives through the newsfeed first was a development I wasn’t very excited about.
Lent can be a good thing, although it does often end up being something rather pointless. Not coming from a high church tradition, this is one of the few times I’ve actually observed Lent.
And yes, I should be more careful about my Facebook jokes, apparently a number of people (including my in-laws) were quite concerned.
[...] fasting this week, not food or TV or beer or even the computer. I’m abstaining from work on one of my websites. I’ve got a site [...]