22 Feb, 2010
Give Up Your iPod for Lent?
LONDON (Reuters) — British church leaders are encouraging people to give up their iPods for Lent, instead of more traditional vices such as chocolate, to help save the planet.
The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, and the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, are among those calling for a carbon fast for Lent — a period ahead of Easter which Christians traditionally consider a time of penance and reflection — which begins on Wednesday.
As well as spending a day without using technology such as mobile phones or iPods, the 46 daily suggestions also include eating by candlelight, cutting meat and vegetables thinner so they cook faster and flushing the toilet less often.
"Instead of giving up chocolate for Lent, why not fast for justice... to help those suffering from the effects of climate change," said Jones.
Story and photo taken from: reuters.com.
Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven."
As those who believe in Christ prepare to celebrate His resurrection, many plan on giving up or stop doing a certain thing they enjoy until Easter(giving something up for lent). While I think this could be a great spiritual discipline, we must ask ourselves why we are doing it?
If we do it because we think we will earn points with God, receive recognition from others or because we feel guilty, we might need to re-think its purpose. Any spiritual discipline that we undertake should be an exercise that helps us to focus more on Christ and less on ourselves. Period. We don't need to broadcast it or celebrate it. Our reward is waiting for the Spirit of God to do His work within us and increase our love for Him.
Are you giving up anything to celebrate Christ's resurrection this season? If so, read the rest of Matthew 6 and humbly focus on what God is doing within you rather than what you are doing for God.
There are many people who participate in Lent and have no idea why they are doing it other than it is something that their families have always done. Pray that God would lead you into a discussion with them on why they do it and what God is teaching you.
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