University United Methodist Church

This week’s devotion…   

“5 Unique Things To Give Up For Lent” 

Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. –Matthew 16:24 

I don’t always give something up for Lent.  In fact, many years when people ask me what I’m giving up, I say:  “Self-denial”.  Cute, huh? 

It’s not that I don’t think there’s some real value in denying yourself chocolate or cigarettes or red meat or Facebook or…whatever.   It’s just that, too often, I think the things we give up become themselves the focus of Lent rather our solidarity with Christ.   

If you’re in the market for something a little different to give up this year, I have a few suggestions. 

You could give up: 

1.  MULTI-TASKING.    How much stress is caused every day by people trying to do too many things at once?  I’m guilty of this all the time.  I’ll have 5 different windows open on my computer,  talking on the phone, chatting with someone in my office, and trying to write my sermon in my head all at once.  Researchers say it doesn’t really work. (see http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95256794)  We’re better off learning to focus on one thing at a time.   Give up multitasking and it may just help you learn to focus your attention more fully on Christ. 

2.  NAME BRANDS.   It’s a little thing, but little things add up.   When you’re shopping during this season of Lent, why not buy the generic brand instead of the name brand?  Sure, Big K cola isn’t quite as tasty as Coke.   And maybe that no-name can of peaches doesn’t look quite as spiffy as the one with Libby on the label, but by consciously choosing to save a few cents with each purchase, you may be learning to value something more than the glitz and glam the world offers. 

3.  COMPLAINING.   Heard of this one?  Wear a bracelet or a rubber band on your wrist.  Every time you hear yourself complaining, switch the bracelet to the other wrist.  See how many days you can go without having to switch hands!   Complaining is a bad habit, and it clouds our hearts from seeing what’s truly beautiful and most important. 

4.  YOUR SEAT.   This one is especially for you church goers out there.   If you’ve been sitting in the same pew for as long as you can remember, you may have gotten in a rut.  Try sitting elsewhere in the sanctuary, and you’ll see things differently.   The same is true of your seats at restaurants, theaters, subways, and so on.   Even in your living room!   Opening yourself up to a new perspective may cause some subtle but helpful changes in how you see the world, your faith, and God! 

5.  GIVING UP.  Why not give up giving up?   When faced with a million faith questions you can’t answer, don’t throw your hands in the air and close down your mind.   When looking at a world filled with pain and confusion, don’t turn away in disgust and helplessness.   When your own life seems out of control, or meaningless, or empty, don’t shut down and allow your eyes to glaze over.  Maybe this year, for Lent, you can give up Giving Up.  Maybe this year you will take up your cross, and follow Jesus.   Maybe this year you will allow yourself to feel the vulnerability that must inevitably come with a life of discipleship. 

So, what are you giving up this year?   I’ve decided to give up caffeine (hopefully for good)…AND maybe a couple of these slightly more challenging items listed above. If you decide to give something up, make sure the choice is meaningful to you. 

Most importantly, whatever you may choose to give up this year…  

be mindful of what Jesus gave up for us. 

Have a great week, 

Mitch