I’m not big on this “giving up something for Lent” thing. I think most people do it to “show off” rather than actually give up something that will lead them into a closer relationship with Christ. Not drinking coffee for 40 days; not eating chocolate; not playing on Facebook are all good things, but ONLY if we use the time or money or energy to focus on God.
As we learned in church last Sunday…
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:16 NIV)
I suppose the same thing applies for “giving up” something for Lent. If you do it in public (“Oh I’m sorry. I’ve given up coffee for Lent”) then you’ve received your reward.
BUT… if you ARE going to give up coffee, I bet you are going to be saving $40 or $50 in the next month! Why not put that money to good use and sponsor a child? If you live in Canada, go to Compassion Canada’s site at http://www.compassion.ca, or if you live elsewhere go to Compassion International’s site at http://www.compassion.com. There are LOTS of kids around the world that would dearly love for you to sponsor them!
For $41/month (in Canada), or $38/month in the US, you can give a child (and in fact their whole family) hope, encouragement, AND the love of Christ. You can exchange letters. You can send them gifts. You can see photos. You can encourage them and share your love with them.
Do it now!
And if you do, I’ll even buy you a coffee 🙂
TTFN