Majority of those who are Christian observe Lent, a time of reflection leading up to Easter, each year. From wanting to improve unhealthy habits to yearning to become closer to God, Christians all around the world partake in this practice. During Lent people give up something they don’t believe is a beneficial habit in their life in order to become a better person, a more devoted Christian and to dismiss unwanted habits.
During Lent, Christians take this time to give up something that they believe is a vice of theirs that could be considered a sin. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday, lasting 40 days and 40 nights. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of penance and the start of the Lent season and Easter represents and honors the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The significance behind 40 nights comes from the belief that Jesus spent this time in the desert fasting and resisting Satan’s temptations. Christians take the time leading up to Easter to take after Jesus and resist an unwanted habit.
The process of deciding what to give up for Lent looks different for everybody. Many think that they can give up something small or something that they do not want nor need. However, this is not growing a relationship with God, making your choice insignificant during this time . Instead, choosing something that can be hard to live without can challenge you to strengthen your relationship with God. A common vice people often give up for the practice could be unhealthy foods, sugary drinks, or ice cream. It’s not only food that people like to give up, many Christians often give up unhealthy actions that can have a negative effect on their lives. This could include talking badly about others, spending money on unnecessary purchases, being lazy and unmotivated or procrastinating. There are endless options Christans choose to give up for 40 nights. Lent is a time for you to challenge yourself to be more devoted to Christianity by giving up something unwanted or unhealthy in your life.
Although Lent is a time to give up a bad habit, there is also the option to find a healthier habit in replacement. A few common hobbies that many like to start may include eating healthier, being kinder to people, reading the Bible, praying or going to church more frequently. Both giving something up and starting something new are not only beneficial for yourself but also your relationship with God and religion.
Giving up unwanted deeds, habits, and routines help you not only grow as a person but also a Christian. Growing and strengthening your relationship with God, challenging yourself and becoming a better person all come with the religious season of Lent.
