Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent are just around the corner. As this season of Lent approaches, many of us think about something to “give up.” Unfortunately, these things often have little impact upon our life and walk with Christ.
With that said, I would like to offer up “40 things to give up for Lent.” But this list is different. It is not the typical things like soda or chocolate. These are things truly worth giving up. There is one for each day of the season. And these are things to give up not just for Lent, but for the rest of your life.
- Fear of Failure – You don’t succeed without experiencing failure. Just make sure you fail forward.
- Your Comfort Zone – It’s outside our comfort zones where new discoveries are made.
- Feelings of Unworthiness – You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139:14)
- Impatience – God’s timing is the perfect timing.
- Retirement – As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason. You have a purpose to influence others for Christ. Our work is not always tied to a paycheck.
- People Pleasing – I can’t please everyone anyways. There is only one I need to strive to please.
- Comparison – I have my own unique contribution to make and there is no one else like me.
- Blame – I am not going to pass the buck. I will take responsibility for my actions.
- Guilt – I am loved by Jesus and he has forgiven my sins. Today is a new day and the past is behind.
- Overcommitment – Do less better and accomplish more.
- Lack of Counsel – Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
- Impurity – Live lives pure and without blemish.
- Entitlement – The world does not owe me anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility and grace.
- Apathy – Life is too short not to care.
- Hatred – Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
- Negativity – I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people. I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative and toxic.
- The Spirit of Poverty – Believe that with God there is always more than enough and never a lack.
- Going Through the Motions – The more you invest yourself, the more you will get back.
- Complaint – Instead of contributing to the problem, be the solution.
- The Pursuit of Happiness – God wants something greater and more lasting than happiness. It is called joy.
- Bitterness – The only person I am hurting by holding on to this is myself.
- Distraction – Life is filled with distractions that will take our eyes off the prize.
- Giving up – God never gives up on us.
- Mediocrity – If you are going to do something, then give it all you got.
- Destructive Speech – Encourage one another and all the more as you see the day approaching (see Hebrews 10:25).
- Busyness – It is a badge of honor to be busy. But that does not always translate to abundance.
- Loneliness – With Jesus I am never alone. He is with me wherever I go.
- Disunity – If two of you agree on earth about anything, it will be done for them by the Heavenly Father (see Matthew 18:19)
- The Quick Fix – Rarely does true transformation happen overnight.
- Worry – God is in control and worrying will not help.
- Idolizing – Don’t assign anyone a standard they cannot live up to.
- Resistance to Change – Change is certain. It is not if we will change, but how we will change.
- Pride – Blessed are the humble.
- Small View of God – Don’t tell God how big your problem is, tell your problem how big your God is.
- Envy – I am blessed. My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
- Ungratefulness – You have been blessed in a way greater than you realize.
- Selfish Ambition – God has a mission for me that is bigger than me.
- Self-Sufficiency – Jesus is my strength. I can do all things through him (see Philippians 4:13)
- Sorrow – Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b)
- My Life – Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life (John 12:25).
God has so much more in store for you. But so many of these things above are holding you back from walking in the full destiny he has laid out for you. Today is a new day.
So there you have it – The 40 Things to Give up for Lent! What else might you add to the list? What would you take away? Please share in the comments below.
Beautiful! So great to be reminded of all that God has given us and all that we can do with the talents we were given!
Darlene- it is always good to get those reminders.
These are great reminders when u are going through love them all….
I totally agree about the reminders, because in today’s world we need it.
Your friend in Nashville is sharing this message of Lenten self-examination for the purpose of holy change. Blessings to you and your ministry.
Thanks Jules for passing this message on!
¡Saludos! from México. Thank you.
This list is what I needed.
Excellent. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you. I needed this! I am going to print it and put it by my bed do that I am reminded of what is really important first thing in the morning and lastly before bed.
Good stuff, always try to be a blessing to those I meet, to forgive those who don’t understand and to have wisdom in all I do.
When you Judge someone, you can’t love them at the same time. Don Childers
Careful, Phil — looks like this may be getting some major wings, at least based on the number of ‘Shares’ I’ve been seeing. Can’t wait to read it myself, and I’m thinking of sharing one a day with the folks in the congregation I serve. You’ve connected Lent to the real everyday walk of faith that people are seeking for changed lives as followers. Bless you, brother!
Thank you for the reminders and at the same time the encouragement
This is 40 years worth of work – I can try one realistically
Ron – we are all a work in progress. With God’s strength all things are possible.
True – Maybe two a year!
I love this! I would like to link to this post in my blog.
Thank you so much, it wasn’t what expected before I opened it but it enlightened me to a different look on my life!! Thank you and may God bless you in all you do!! Peace, love and Huggs!! 🙂
I don’t get # 40. Isn’t it a sin not to love life?
Hi Roisin – follow the link which explains it more: http://gs4nj.org/giving-up-my-life/
Roisin, My take on #40 was like your’s, and then someone explained to me that if you are too attached to our worldly life, then we could not be focusing on the afterlife where we should be looking forward to worshiping GOD in our Eternal Life Hereafter. I do believe GOD wants us to be happy, (It depends on what you are reading at the time.) As for me, I celebrate every day; i will find things to appreciate and laugh out loud. I just try to be charitable and helpful and share what i have with my neighbors and friends; and it sure makes me happy! Even our Priest says, “What’s not to be happy with?” He laughs and laughs and all the children run to him; he can be serious and he makes your Faith a happy experience, right here on earth. GOD Bless your life and i wish you many happy days…………. maddie – in Jacksonville, FLorida
Would it be too overwhelming to select one number to put all of your focus on each day for 40 days? Essentially giving up something new each day with your entire heart?
Or is it more beneficial to chose one to focus on for 40 days?
I know there is no right or wrong, but would one be potentially more effective in the purpose of lent?
We call the series the 40 things to give up for Lent and beyond. This is not just for the season of Lent. It is good to focus on one of these for a season.
Awesome! Thanks!
Thank you for the post <><
You might want to change the title of this post. *to
Thanks Adam! Hard to believe you were the first one to point that out.
WhY Wait until lent. I’ll continue my own traditions. Thank you. Bye
There is much on this list for me to give up. Replaced with what? I’m in such a dark place. How to begin the renewing of my mind?
One moment at a time (Look at that sunset), one hour at a time (Take a walk and enjoy the scenery), One day at a time (Make an improvement in your environment/home). Befire you sleep be grateful for something. The good things build on each other and the darkness will fade. You have to forgive yourself and others to move forward. Life is beautiful and goes quick. Don’t dwell in the darkness. Make small changes and they create bigger changes.
I read the book entitled when God winks at you. It’s about all the little reminders every day that God loves us. After reading it, I bought a desk calendar type book and every day I write down those little signs that I see it. It may be that a flock of geese flying over while I was outside in the backyard, or a bluebird that hardly ever comes to our yard appearing suddenly, grandson making me laugh, the sun shining on the frost on the deck showing tiny spectrums of color, or getting a chance to help a friend, having a prayer answered etc. When you’re having a bad day you can go back and read some of your God winks. It gives you a happy feeling and you realize how much He cares.
Hi Lasaundra- I am lifting you in my prayers right now. Where do you begin? Do you have a church home to provide you encouragement? Do you have a pastor to talk to? I would use these two things as a starting point. If you don’t have a pastor or church home, please contact me via email or phone. The church contact info is here: http://gs4nj.org/about/contact/
This is where you find your very best friends, Go to a small church where people greet you and make you feel needed. I know how it feels to get out of that dark place. God loves you just as you are. I pray you wil lsoon feel the joy of His love. Prayers for you Lasaundra!
This is a list to live our lives by! Thank you for sharing it. I’m printing it out and keeping it right where I can see it every day. God Bless.
Our steps to a better and more fruitful life! One at a time. Thanks for sharing!! God bless.
Thank You from Denmark!
Thanks Mary we do need be
reminded every day
Enjoyed the comments, as it was llike having a spirited conversation. Loved #40. Had to read it twice and it Filled Me. Thank you.
Fix the language in item 29.
I love this list ! Thank you I’m doing a few & passing this along Thank you …
Beautiful. We sometimes need guidance to follow such a simple command as “make a sacrifice for lent.” Ambiguity creates its own problems.
YES…#29 does not read correctly but I get the idea….
Thanks Meg for the catch!
“Seek ye first the kingdom of GOD”…Put God first in your daily life………Give up your Heart to GOD for lenten season and always………Make HIM first in your life…….”Thou shalt have no other GODS before me”…..
I take issue with numbers #32 and #39. First of all, not all change is good. In fact, it’s an affront to God, and should not be accepted, embraced or tolerated by His children. This includes, but is not limited to allowing the government to infringe on religious freedom, feminism, and liberalism. Sorrow is not sinful and in fact, God wants us to come to Him with our sorrow. Sacred Scripture says the following on the subject: “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).
Good thoughts Christopher – I do want to point out that the verse you quote tells us to “give up” our worries to God.
True feminism (not what some have turned it into) is a very good thing.
Sorrow for sin is good; sorrow over things already forgiven is bad. Sorrow that prompts a change in behavior is good; sorrow that controls is bad.
glad to see there are still lots of good people out there
thanks for to words but should be everyday not only for lent these are comforting and encouraging words may god continues to use u to spread is words god bless u.
This is a great list of things that I know I need to give up on! Most of them!! What a thought to GIVE UP those things that really pull us down over and over in life! Thank you for this!
It would be great to translate it into Spanish.
Phil, this is truly excellent. I’ll be sharing with our church. thanks for your work on this, may it bless many!
Iron sharpens iron! Thanks for these very insightful thoughts to ponder…and, I stated; not just for Lent, but, for the rest of my life. I will certainly keep this list, and, probably add to it as I go. Blessings!
#41 – our sin, or at least the lack of sensitivity to it.
Thank you so much. I did not grow up in a church with a Lent tradition and I do not know very much about it, but this is a great list and challenge.
These are so great. They truly speak to my heart. I am sharing these with our women’s ministry leaders at Ada Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Mi! Thank you.
I look forward to these daily emails, keep up the good work! Here’s my response.
Thanks for the reminders! Quite insightful.
Wow! Exactly what I need.
Surrender: I will give up all that I don’t need to have a more faithful life. That is what I have begun to do and will continue throughout Lent and I will keep a log of these things and how I truly feel as I give them up.
All of these things are something we should do every day, not just during Lent!
Some of these things can be so hard, even when you live with faith. I appreciate the love and time that it took to put this together. I smile looking forward to achieving each one of these with my God.
I pray daily that God will help me to.live a life of love and peace
This is such good advice! May I reprint it in our church’s March newsletter?
thank you for these! during this time of year the pressure to give up or “sacrifice” something(s) is sometimes overwhelming and can get to be a kind of contest or a “holier-than-thou” display of piety. I really appreciate you helping to put the Lenten season into a helpful perspective. This list is helping me to look at Lent in a way I’ve not before. Its more than just giving up something in order to think about Christ’s sacrifice, its a conscious effort and a much needed plea for God’s grace in dealing with our sinful, selfish selves.
in the past Iv’e given up things like certain foods, entertainment methods, music, etc., but I feel now that doing all those things is useless without real action in my spiritual life. Thanks again!
I would say God wants to give us PEACE in exchange for Our Pointless , “Pursuit of Happiness !”
Pastor Phil, Day #5 references Monday, but I thought it was supposed to be Sunday. With 40 days in Lent and 40 days in the study, you can’t be skipping Sunday. I am a little legalistic! Is it supposed to be Sunday?
Thanks!
I am really having to work on some of these things! Since having 3 kids my impatience level has skyrocketed. Thanks so much!
Hi Rachelle- the 40 days of Lent do not include Sundays. Take a look at the calendar and count the days between Easter and Ash Wednesday. You will notice there are more then 40 Days. The idea is that we fast on the days weekdays and Saturday. Then on Sunday we celebrate the resurrection and cease from our fast. Sundays during Lent are designated Sundays in Lent rather than Sundays of Lent for this very reason.
I really needed to read this as I am currently walking the valley of losing my spouse and working thru many deep hurts and rejection from folks who have instilled in me that I have no value or purpose in this life. However no matter what I am loved by God.
Sandi- I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am praying that God would give you joy and confidence. You are loved by him as the prize of his creation. He loves you so much he sent Jesus for you. He has place a calling upon you to shine his light in the lives of others. You mean more to him than you ever realize. Make sure to check out the day #4 devotion: http://gs4nj.org/giving-up-your-feelings-of-unworthiness/
Our Church’s Facebook Page shared the link to the 40 things to give up for Lent. One member mentioned the cite as our Lenten Series group met last night. Thanks for offering a good example of Lenten possibilities and lifetime possibilities to those of us in Odessa, Texas.
Phil,
For #9, the Bible reference you used at the end is Romans 6:23, but the verse that says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” is Romans 3:23.
I just thought you should know. I’m sure it wasn’t on purpose 🙂
Thanks for the catch!
Giving up people pleasing? Yeah, because those pesky starving poor with their begging are just keeping you from God, right? Fail.
Can u make these 40 into a poster that can be framed?
Elaine- that is an interesting idea. We will look into that.
Pastor Phil, I would love the 40 things in a poster form like Elaine said. I just learned about your poster from my sister Dina and she told me that for me, I needed to work on 9 and 22. She was so right on.
Thank you. Norda Parochka
I was hoping that you were going to post it again this year.
Wonderful to read and be reminded of these things, but even greater it must be to live them. To truly be humble, to truly give your life for GOD’s purpose and not your own selfish desires. I work daily to not only remember, but to live these wonderfully said phrases.
Linda
I look forward to these for Lent now, they are necessary and worthwhile for me. I appreciate the love that has been put into their creation. Many thanks for things that we can strive for every year of our life.
I only got to see this list today – The day before the start of Lent 2017. Talk about timing. I’m a Minister of Religion in South Africa and we are experiencing high restiveness. Will post 1 of these for the next 40 days. Kyrie Eleison
Procrastination
In our move which after living in one place for 40 years I lost my book on the 40 things to give up for Lent so I will not only buy another one but get at leadt one extra to share with our Pastor. Thank you for your new series I am sure I will love as much as the first one. It makes my Lenten experience so personal. God Bless your ministry.
Would you allow me to re-publish your list ina Catholic quarterly next |March?
I love this series. A suggested add: Rejection
Looking forward to doing this devotional again.
Whatever we can give up that God would approve…
would definitely make us better…..AND we probably
could add “daily devotionals” and more prayer time
to a “TO DO LIST”.
God Bless
Yes these ideas are really good that people can do so in ash wensday and friday and every friday i do these things ..
Was it just me or did number 40 say “My Life”
Hi Jennifer. Make sure to read the devotion. The life I live, I live by Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.