Sacrifice is never any fun. Just ask anyone who’s ever been on a diet. They sacrifice foods they want to drop a pound or fit into a pair of jeans. In our culture, we rarely go without anything we want. We seek comfort and material goods even if going without may bring greater happiness and strength.

Wednesday, February 25 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Christians’ 40-day journey to Easter. Many Christ followers choose to sacrifice food, TV, or another much-liked activity or habit during Lent. Growing up, I always thought this practice was reserved for Catholics. Hence the reason for a fish fry every Friday at the Catholic church. The idea behind a Lenten sacrifice is good for any Christian though. I am a practicing Lutheran and yet in the past few years I’ve given up bread, gum (I’m addicted) and diet coke (I was addicted). The process helps us remember or relate to (on a small scale) the sacrifice that Christ made for us. A person who gives up chocolate will be reminded of Christ every time they walk by a candy bowl, have a craving or are offered a piece of chocolate. We gain a greater appreciation for the meaning of Easter. And we have even more reason to celebrate when Easter does arrive.

I encourage you to consider what you may sacrifice for Christ during Lent. Maybe there’s a time-consuming activity that draws you away from God. By giving it up for 40 days, you’ll have more time to spend reading the Bible or being quiet with God. Maybe there’s a bad habit you know you should kick. Now’s a good time to start. A commitment to God is a lot harder to break than a promise to yourself. Take it day by day, asking God for the strength to honor your commitment.

One caveat to a Lenten sacrifice:  if you feel that a Lenten sacrifice is just another burden imposed by Christianity, let me tell you now — don’t do it. At times I’ve asked God what I should sacrifice. I sensed him tell me that the life of a Christian is about living life to its fullest (John 10:10), it’s not about burdening yourself with shoulds and should nots. Christ came to set us free, not to weigh us down. So before considering a Lenten sacrifice, examine your heart. Do you want to sacrifice because someone told you that you should? Or do you want to sacrifice something to draw closer to God?

If you’re moving along on this 40 day journey, what will be your sacrifice? I know we don’t want to sacrifice anything. Remember, Christ didn’t want to sacrifice his life either.

Matthew 26: 39 — Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”