I’m afraid we might be missing the point. Ash Wednesday is approaching and the conversations have begun again. Too often they begin with this question: whatcha giving up for Lent? This might be just me but I tire of the underlying, none-to-subtle “competition” that comes with the question. It very well could be that I’m simply feeling guilty about the reality that I’m notoriously bad at “giving something up.” I understand the connection to Jesus’ wandering in the wilderness for 40 days and the temptations he faced but let’s face it, we aren’t Jesus! One of my favorite responses to the question of what you are giving up for Lent? Lent.
Over the years, I’ve encouraged folks to take something on – some practice that will draw them towards God. Regina Brett, a columnist in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, wrote a wonderful essay yesterday about the practice of giving something up or taking something on for Lent. Some folks on Facebook are giving up Facebook for Lent.
I think the question that needs to be asked is how is this act, whether it be giving up or taking on, drawing you closer to God? Giving up chocolate and then whining about it with every person you meet is not drawing you closer to God! Taking on exercise so you can lose 10 lbs. is not drawing you closer to God. If, if, giving up chocolate causes you to reflect on who you are and how God is shaping you as a disciple then do it. If, as you go for your walk, you ponder the Mystery that is, then do it. If steering clear of Facebook leads you instead to sit quietly in the Presence, do it.
It’s about devotion, I think. No, not the “I’m going to do my devotions now.” Rather, how will you devote yourself to the One who has created you and called you and sends you into this crazy, messed up world we live in? Maybe simply pondering and praying over that question would be enough to take on this Lent.
Jim Thornber said:
When I was a monk with of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, I was often asked the same question: “What are you giving up for Lent?” Now, since I was an Assemblies of God minister and not a Catholic, I never felt compelled to give up anything. I figured if there was something in my life that I could give up for forty days, it was probably something that I could either give up forever (something that was irrelevant and insignificant enough not to bother giving up for Lent), or something so significant that it was impossible to give up without disobeying God.
On a humorous note, one time a married person asked me what I was going to give up for Lent. With a very straight face I replied, “I don’t know. Maybe celibacy.” There was a long pause on their part before they finally figured out I was joking. But the point is, some things are SO significant that we can’t really sacrifice them. My answer made most things, such as chocolate and 10 lbs. seem rather pale (which was the color the person went upon my response!). Furthermore, why is there a tradition of giving up things only for a season? Shouldn’t we continually offer our bodies as living sacrifices? Just thinking out loud.
Kerri said:
Hey Jim
Love your reflections. Was it Barth or Calvin that thought much the same? Either way – we’re in good company! Appreciate your thoughts
Drew Clark said:
Kerri–thanks for this and the link to Regina’s column. I was trolling this morning for ideas for my newsletter article for FPC and you provided a great deat of inspiration.
Blessings to you and Jeff!
Drew
Jim Thornber said:
I’m having the same thoughts as Barth or Calivn? That puts me in some very prestigious company. And about the time you think your thoughts are original, you find out better minds have beat you there!!
Heather McCreary said:
Kerri –
The P-D’s just popped into my head tonight and i thought i’d check the blog and somehow came around to this posting. . . I just had lunch with a friend today and the practice of giving up something for lent was a topic of conversation. I love your ideas here. I hear so much about giving up a food or making that sacrifice. But what you bring to the table and remind us of – making it something that brings us closer to God – awesome. If you don’t mind, i’m going to copy your entry onto my blog. Would love my friends to read what you wrote! Sure do miss the P-D’s in Atlanta!
Kerri said:
Fun to hear from you Heather! Feel free to post it on your blog. 🙂