I find that the gesture of making the sacrifice and doing your very best to keep it, even if you're not perfect, makes you think and reflect. Because each time you think about . . . having that cookie or doing whatever it is you've given up (or not doing whatever it is you've decided not to do), it makes you think about why you're doing it, and that brings to mind the sacrifice Jesus made. It's not just the "what," it's the "why."
Someone at my church is getting up an our earlier than usual each day in order spend that time in additional prayer and Bible study. He's giving up an hour of sleep.
My brother used to give up soda pop (which was a really big deal for him).
It doesn't have to be anything huge and dramatic--not like a forty day fast or anything. (Not yet, anyway. ;-) ) Just something that inconveniences you enough to make you stop and think. In other words, like any other discipline, start small.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2012-03-03 02:15 pm (UTC)Someone at my church is getting up an our earlier than usual each day in order spend that time in additional prayer and Bible study. He's giving up an hour of sleep.
My brother used to give up soda pop (which was a really big deal for him).
It doesn't have to be anything huge and dramatic--not like a forty day fast or anything. (Not yet, anyway. ;-) ) Just something that inconveniences you enough to make you stop and think. In other words, like any other discipline, start small.
Would love to hear what you decide to do. :-)