Give Up or Take Up?

This year Lent begins tomorrow, February 14 … it’s not just Valentine’s Day! With that in mind, have you ever been asked the question, “What are you giving up for Lent?”. I think the question is often asked in jest because few of us actually give up anything. We might start to give up something with good intentions, but it falls to the wayside because we forget, are just too busy to remember, or honestly it just doesn’t mean that much. That said, as a Christian tradition, it’s a valid question and something to think about.

Janet Starkey

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent and ‘what are you giving up’ might be the wrong question. Rather than giving up something, how about taking up something?

I’m not sure if this is true, but I found a citation that said the 40-day period before Easter is called Lent after an old English word meaning ‘lengthen’. This is because the days are getting longer as we approach summer. Maybe? It is a time of reflection and of asking for forgiveness as Christians prepare to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection on Easter - the end of Lent.

Giving up something during Lent is a sign of sacrifice and a test of self-discipline (I don’t think I can ever give up dark chocolate, attributable to a lack of self-discipline for sure). Christians believe this sacrifice represents Christ’s sacrifice when he prayed and fasted in the desert for 40 days.

This year, how about rather than giving up something, consider taking up something. This might be making an extra effort to do nice things for family, friends, our community, giving extra to a cause that touches your heart or volunteering your time. All are worthy and meaningful. So, think on this — practicing during the 40 days of Lent could lead to a new habit that will extend well beyond the next 40 days. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16
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Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

​In His Name, Janet