What are you giving up for Lent?

Nonu I love it when you x

As Nanaval and ga have confirmed, is not Lent an occasion to try to emulate Christ's forty days and nights in the wilderness, taking the sins of humans upon him as scapegoat for their sins?

I thought, that, for believers, the penance of renouncing flesh (nowadays, luxuries it seems) was a serious commitment and self sacrifice, and I suppose the trivialisation of this is a sign of our innate weaknesses, or ignorance of the spiritual aspects of Lent. Or both?

An excellent analysis Ariadne.

Of course. But any form of conscious self-denial can only be good for the soul, surely - even if the original concept of penance has been watered-down somewhat?

Besides, neither you nor I know what has motivated others to 'give up' something for Lent.

But you don't need religion, nor even a soul, to undertake self-improvement in a committed way. And you can do it any time. Which is why I forgot it was still that time called Lent.

Not having a 'soul' as far as I know, I am wondering how self-denial can possibly be good for it. Surely it just gives people something to feel virtuous about?

I agree, thatbags. I also think that the idea of a 'soul' doesn't have to have religious connotations.

My DGS when about 6 said that he was giving up being good for Lent. We all looked surprised as he was rarely good and it wouldn't have been difficult. (He is a little treasure now he is 12)

I agree, feetle about Lent giving people something to feel virtuous about, and the annoying bit – telling others about it. My attitude is Just Do It; the rest of us don't need (or want) to know. Lent has become a "show" like so many other commercialised calendar dates.

Bags, on the other Lent thread I said just that.

'When you give to the needy do not let your left hand know what your right hand doeth'.

Interpretation please?

I like that quote, mice.

But now I am confused again. See "Selfies" thread and gimmicks to raise money for cancer research. It seems you have to be public about your helpfulness in order for it to work and that's exactly what I dislike.

The Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6. Lots if good stuff there.

I've just had a look in my mother's old school bible.

A lot of sound moral and psychological advice in chapter 6 I agree.

From my own experience I agree with what Matthew says.

I notice he gets a bit racist (towards Gentiles) towards the end of ch 6 though

Also, how many Christians follow his advice these days?

Finally MiceElf how does not letting your left hand know what your right hand does relate to keeping things to yourself, since both hands belong to you.

I know that last point is pedantic but I am puzzled.

Self denial is supposed to be good for self-discipline. Apparently, the more you practice it, the easier it becomes. Can't see much point in it really. Only more to get hung up about. Why put yourself through it?

Unless it's for charity, of course.

I've still got the bible I won at Sunday School. Need a large magnifying glass to read it now though.

It's a metaphor. If you do anything, anything good at all, then keep it tight to your chest. And that's a metaphor too!

As to how many Christians follow that advice, God only knows.

"Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them"

That reminds me of a proverb I read years ago. "Wear your knowledge like a watch. Strike it only when asked the time, not just to show you have one".

I like that.

But isn't it setting a good example to let others see your acts of generosity. I don't mean boasting about stuff.
If our children don't see us being generous how will they know how to be like that?

Excellent comment Lona. Very true.

"Do good by stealth" is somewhere in the New Testament, isn't it?

"Be good by stealth and blush to have it fame" Alexander Pope.

Crossed posts. Anno I'd have been before you but I paused to check who said it.

I think setting an example, especially to our children, is a very different matter from announcing to the world at large the amount and degree of one's generosity.