Why not simply GIVE?

Every year, 40 days before Easter, people give up something that is important to them. For 40 days, we go without this to recognize the suffering that Jesus Christ went through in the last days leading to his crucifixion. The idea is that our suffering will ground us during the Lenten period.

Growing up, I always saw this as a game. How long could I go without chocolate or soda? Could I go longer than my sisters or friends? I feel like that is what the idea has become for so many people- that and a great way to lose weight (how much weight can you lose by taking chocolate or fried foods out of your diet for 40 days?).

So here is my question- why must we always GIVE UP something? Why not simply GIVE? Imagine the good that would come if we all gave part of ourselves, in the name of Jesus Christ? What a concept- Jesus' suffering providing a source of hope for the world!

What if we started simple and gave a gift to the church program of our choice each week rather than spending that money at the movies or bar on Saturday night? Five weeks of $10 gifts to the outreach committee would work wonders in someone's life who really needs it. Let's take it a step further. For five weeks, we wake up an hour or so earlier on Saturday and volunteer at a local food pantry or with Habitat for Humanity. Maybe you can take some time out of your busy week to visit some of the church shut-ins or the older lady down the street.

There are so many opportunities available to us the second we walk out the door. Why not take this opportunity to give OURSELVES rather than GIVE UP something. Why not put others first, just as Jesus did when he died on the cross, rather than looking for a new diet? Even better, what if we did it TOGETHER as part of the BODY OF CHRIST?

Yes, Jesus suffered on the cross and it is important to recognize that, but why not help those around us that are suffering (and in turn help Jesus who suffered for US), rather than helping ourselves?