Growing up Catholic, I was taught to give something up for Lent each year to understand Christ’s sacrifice on the cross better. Even though we could never go to the cross and make an atoning sacrifice as Christ did, we could give up something we enjoyed to understand the sacrifice Christ made for us. As a kid, I gave up chocolate, television, and other things that weren't all that important to me, so it wasn't that great a sacrifice.
When I became a born-again Christian at the age of 18, the idea of sacrifice left a bad taste in my mouth. Because it was reduced to merely an activity during the Lenten season with no significant biblical meaning, I didn't observe the gift of sacrifice during Lent for many years. However, last year, that all changed.
I felt the Holy Spirit nudged me to give up secular music during Lent. At first, it was difficult. Because I dislike some of the worship team's popular music, I couldn't find much to listen to. But as the days and weeks wore on, I began to explore different genres within Christian music. I found many songs I liked and continued listening to even after the Lenten season was over.
However, after the Lenten season, I found myself reverting to my old habits. Secular music continued to creep into my playlist, the more I distanced myself from Lent. During my quiet time with the Lord, I asked the Lord to help me better understand sacrifice and to practice it all year long. Although some of it was difficult, I'm able to observe the concept of sacrifice not just through the Lenten season, but all year long. Here are five ways to keep an attitude of sacrifice all year long:
Practice Fasting Once a Week
Although many people equate fasting with simply abstaining from food and drink, there are many ways to fast. A person can choose to fast from social media, television, music, and other activities. This is especially good for those with dietary restrictions or medical conditions that prevent them from fasting regularly.
First, ask if there are any idols in your life. Idols are not easily detectable, but they can creep into our minds and hearts if we're not careful. Something that you enjoy doing may come to mind. While there's nothing wrong with having healthy activities, an idol can be anything you devote more to than you do to the Lord.
For example, if I'm only spending 1/2 hour in prayer or Bible study, yet spend the rest of the day listening to secular music or watching television, I'm more than likely consuming media that is not good for my mind and, ultimately, my heart.
Commit to fasting from this once a week. See how your mind and heart change as a result. You may not see media change, but you may see it over the coming weeks. Do you find you turn more to prayer because you don't have secular messages bombarding you all the time?
You may also find that you remember Scripture, which helps change your mind and attitude, especially if you have had a rough day. These Scriptures may come more easily to your mind because you don't have other messages that conflict with them.
Put Others First
Sacrifice is the antithesis of selfishness. When we actively sacrifice ourselves for someone else's needs, we know we are putting them first. The Bible calls us to die to ourselves and put others’ needs before our own. Practice putting others’ needs before your own.
Start by asking your spouse each day, “In what way can I bless you today?” Do whatever it is they're asking you to do. Make that a habit and make sure they know they are loved simply through your actions. Next, spend quality time with your children.
Even though the days feel long, your children will not be around forever. Soon, your children will be out of the house and living their own lives. There were days you wished you had more time to spend with them. Take the time to spend with them now.
There are many ways to create cheap yet fun activities for you and your children. Spend the day at the park. Take them out to their favorite fast-food restaurant. Take them to a matinee. Take them hiking on a trail. Get a swimming pool pass for the summer and let your kids enjoy the pool every day. Your kids will enjoy whatever activity you give them. Be consistent and watch your relationship with them change.
Last, be a servant to others around you. Whether that means that you serve at your local church, or you find other ways to bless others in your community, make a point to do that at least once a month. Be known for meeting others’ needs and showing empathy and compassion.
Give Up Your Time and Resources
A great way to show your family and others that you really care about them is to give up your spare time to do something that they want to do. If you normally like to pick the television show at the end of the night, be the one who hands control over to your spouse. They may not notice right away, but if they find that you're not normally disengaged with them on television like you normally are, they will more than likely want to spend time with you, too.
Serve Locally and Globally
It's easy to serve at your local church because many churches offer opportunities to use your spiritual gifts and serve others. While this is important, it's also important to serve in other ways. Be someone who goes above and beyond in service. Add additional service opportunities to your monthly schedule. For example, commit to going on a mission trip. If your church does not have one, organize it yourself.
Go outside of your local area and serve in other places as well. Big cities often have nonprofit organizations that serve the greater needs of their communities. Partner with them and ask them if there are any ways you can serve. Most organizations are short on volunteers and could use the help.
Act Like Christ
Last, study Jesus’s example. Jesus exuded service. He didn't need to find opportunities; people were constantly in need all around him. He chose to use the powers God had bestowed upon him to meet their needs. Discover the gifts God has given you and seek to use them above and beyond what you are required. Study Scripture and memorize those verses that demonstrate Christ’s service to others.
Note how Christ served. Some were small, others big. Jesus drove out demons, which drew a lot of attention from the crowds around him. Yet, he also chose to wash the apostles' feet right before he died. Whether your service is behind closed doors or up in front, be a person who wants to serve as Jesus did.
Although sacrifice may seem boring or difficult to implement into a busy schedule, it doesn't have to be. By adopting an attitude of sacrifice and practicing regularly over the weeks and months, your posture will soon be that of a humble servant who seeks to serve those around you.
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