5 Activities to Give Up During Lent to Spend More Time With God
Many of you may be familiar with the season of Lent or have already begun celebrating the Lental season by giving something up for Lent. During Lent, we are asked to give something up for a short period. In my church, we do something a little bit different. Instead of just giving something up for the Lental season, we focus on a family devotional Lental season. Instead of just giving things up, we give up something so that we can spend more time with God in place of that activity.
One of the most common reasons people don’t read the Bible more or spend more time with God is that they don’t have enough time. We are all busy, and time is precious to us. During this period of Lent, I am challenging you to not only give something up. Instead of just merely giving up something this Lent, spend the time you would have spent doing that activity with God.
If you are looking for a few ideas, here are some activities to give up during Lent so you can spend more time with God.
Watching TV
Giving up TV might not sound like much of a sacrifice until you sit down and really think about how much time you spend watching TV. Watching TV is what I chose to give up during Lent this year, and it has given me back hours in my day that I can spend with God.
Snacking Between Meals
If snacking is something you are struggling with, you may want to consider giving it up for Lent this year. Instead of grabbing a snack in between meals, consider grabbing your Bible instead. Pray with God and ask him for guidance when you are having cravings.
Wishing for Someone Else’s Life
We have all found ourselves at some point or another wanting someone else’s life. Maybe they have already paid off their debt while you are still in debt, they may drive a nicer car than you, or maybe they just seem like they have their life together all the time. Instead of wishing you had their life, spend that time with God and pray. Ask yourself why you are not happy with the life you have or why you wish for someone else’s life.
Drinking Soda or Alcohol
This is likely one of the most popular things to give up during Lent. However, if you are a regular soda or alcohol drinker, you may find that the cravings are more difficult to give up. Whenever you feel the urge to reach for a can of Pepsi or grab a drink with friends, take a moment to sit down with God.
Eating Meat or Other Animal Products
If you have been wanting to give vegetarianism or even veganism a try, Lent is a great time to do that. You may be thinking to yourself, how am I supposed to spend time with God? After all, it’s not like you will stop eating. For options like this, you want to spend the time you would have spent shopping for meat, cooking it, or even before or after a meal with God.
If you want to know more about how we are celebrating Lent this year, check out this guide!
What did you give up for Lent?
