Lent is that sacred season leading up to Easter when many Christians pause to reflect and grow spiritually by abstaining from certain foods or activities. Just before Lent began this year, Steve and I dove into a heartfelt conversation about our intentions for this significant time. His contemplative nature shone through as I jokingly asked whether he’d sacrifice his cherished treats — cookies, brownies, or donuts. In a playful twist, he challenged me to forgo hair products for the entirety of the season. Our pastor labeled him bold (or perhaps a little cheeky) for teasing me, but that lighthearted banter opened the door to a deeper conversation about what true sacrifice and devotion
really mean.
Growing up in the Philippines, where Catholic traditions are woven into the fabric of daily life, I vividly recall the trials of Lent. The limitation of food choices was a rigorous exercise in discipline, especially as a devoted meat-lover trying to keep track of the meatless days. Yet, amid the struggle, I learned invaluable lessons about self-control, reflection, and faith that resonate deeply within me.
Real Sacrifice
In my quiet moments, pondering the Lent journey ahead, I felt compelled to ask God if there were any sacrifices I needed to make for Him or His Kingdom. Was He prompting me to abandon my cherished hair care products or perhaps adopt a Pescetarian lifestyle for the next seven weeks? Days later, it struck me: Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, dying on the cross for my sins.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 12:1 (NIV), “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.” What He truly desires from me is to surrender anything that hinders my relationship with Him. In this surrender, I found an opportunity to deepen my faith and grow closer to Him.
On Faith
In January, I conducted an informal survey of about 25 individuals, posing thought-provoking questions about biblical sacrifices, such as:
– Would you hide spies in your house or protect a baby from Pharaoh?
– Would you carry the Ten Commandments down from a mountain or help rebuild Jerusalem’s walls?
– Would you assist in rebuilding the Temple or help the early church thrive?
It was fascinating to observe that those who have walked with Christ the longest took comparable time to contemplate their responses. Some struggled to answer, while others opted for “or” instead of choosing one path. I also noticed a strong inclination among younger individuals to prioritize the growth of churches over the rebuilding of the Temple. This realization made me wonder: were young people two millennia ago similarly drawn to planting churches? Understanding the personal sacrifices required of today’s church planters, I can only imagine what
early church leaders endured, risking their lives and leaving loved ones behind to spread the Gospel and nurture faith in a world so desperate for hope.
As we navigate through Lent, may this time serve as a divine invitation to shed our burdens and embrace the grace Jesus offers. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on our relationship with Him, casting aside distractions and embracing the call to sacrifice. I am hopeful that with every step in faith, I will draw nearer to God’s love and purpose for me, transforming this sacred season into a powerful journey of renewal and awakening. May we emerge from Lent not only changed but equipped to be vessels of His love and truth in a world longing for light.