I grew up in a predominantly Catholic community in Louisiana. Out of a high school of around 1,000 students I was one of about 20 kids that were Protestant. I will never forget that every year between Mardi Gras and Easter my Catholic friends would be required to give something up for the Lenten season. All Catholics refrain from eating red meat on Fridays but they would also pick something else to “give up”. Some of the ones I remember most were bananas, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Most of my friends were clearly giving something up that they didn’t really want to eat anyway. It became a joke with many of them and I’ll never forget asking myself, “what’s the point?”

So what is the point? Sacrifice! The idea behind the Lenten season is an admirable one. Give something up that you enjoy so that when tempted with the thought of it you offer the discipline it takes to deny yourself as a sacrifice to God. Many of my friends didn’t get this concept growing up but as adults committed to the cause of Christy we fully understand the spiritual significance. He offered himself as a sacrifice so therefore so should we.

In Romans chapter 11 verse 1 Paul says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship.” This should be a reminder that the truest form of our worship of God comes through how we live our lives. A reminder that holiness should be something we pursue, and that we should be set apart from the things of this world.