Lent is a Christian observance in which people choose to divest themselves of certain vices to mark their faith.
OpenBible.info lists the top 100 items tweeted that people intended to give up as of March 2, 2014. They included chocolate, Twitter, school, alcohol, social networking, swearing, soda, sweets, fast food, and junk food as the top ten.
What does the Bible suggest we exclude from our lives as a sacrifice to prove our sincerity unto God? Luke 7:25 gives us a good reference point:
“But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in king’s courts.”
This verse gives us Jesus’ words about John the Baptist. John had to choose between his religious beliefs and worldly luxury. He had the opportunity to be Herod’s preacher. Instead, he became Herod’s prisoner.
John’s sacrifice was his life. That’s a pretty serious vice to give up to mark his faith.
What have we given up? Seriously, and not just for Lent. What have we seriously given up? Job prospects? A larger home? A potential spouse? Our time? Friends?
The important thing is to remember what we’ve gained. As Paul famously said in Philippians 1:21:
“For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
What did Paul gain? Eternal joy at the side of Christ on the golden shores of heaven.
When we are truly vested in Christ, we can divest ourselves of the world with little effort or concern.
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Code: FGO.C.14.17e.vp.kjv