5 Unique Habits and Hang-ups to Give Up for Lent

This sounds impossible, of course—how can we give up ourselves for Lent? And honestly, as much as we try, we probably cannot ever achieve this one. But the truth is that most of us value ourselves and our own selfish interests, needs, worries, and concerns far more than anything else in this world, God included. In our heart of hearts, we put ourselves above the Lord, leaning to our own understanding instead of God’s. Today’s culture often idolizes the self, not God. But Jesus, when asked what was the greatest commandment, said, 

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

God first, and then others “as yourself.” It’s a lot tougher than we can imagine to do this consistently day after day.

I’ve seen a T-shirt that lists what we should prioritize, and I love its simplicity:

“Daily priorities,” it reads. “One, God. Two, others. Three, self. In that order.”

Most of us are so accustomed to putting ourselves and our families first that we leave the leftovers for God and other people in the world. 

That’s why putting yourself last in priority—or at least trying to—can be a beneficial Lenten practice. 

When we put God first, our head and our heart align with the Lord. We want what he wants, and everything else falls into place—perspective shifts.

It makes it easier to look around us and see other people in the world, our “neighbors.” Note that “neighbor” doesn’t mean the people who live near our home. This is anyone in our community. Indeed, since the internet has made the world an increasingly small place, it can apply to anyone we encounter in the world. This includes believers and unbelievers—or, as I like to call them, “not-yet believers.”

Adopting a mindset to care for others before ourselves helps increase our capacity for love, empathy, and generosity. This can look as simple as when we grow hungry and pull out a sandwich for lunch. We might glance around to see who is in our vicinity. Perhaps we might offer half of that sandwich to someone sitting nearby.  

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