Editor dissolves Lent misconceptions

“I’m giving up soda and Farmville for Lent.”

Statuses like these have taken over my Facebook news feed for about three days now. I admit that it’s fun being in the know about who is ‘giving up’ what but this is not what Lent is all about.

Lent is a season of fasting, repentance and reflection which prepares Christians to celebrate the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. It’s not necessarily about giving something up. It's about doing something which will bring you into a better communion with God or abstaining from something which leads you to sin.

How will abstaining from soda help one come closer to God? While I applaud the recognition of diet soda contributing to increasing heart risks, I cease to see how it will better prepare someone for Easter.

Giving up Farmville for Lent may be justifiable. If someone usually spends much of the day playing the game, this might be a worthy cause. The question is: instead of playing Farmville what will the person do instead? Find another game to occupy them until the 40 days are over or spend time in prayer?

I challenge you to commit to something this Lenten season which truly brings you closer to God. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Devote time to serve others. The City Rescue Mission of Oklahoma City has volunteer opportunities in a number of different areas. Grab a friend and help serve breakfast to the homeless on Saturday mornings.

2. Support a greater cause. Relay For Life will be hosted from April 9-10 on campus. Form a team and start raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
3. Pray. There is no greater way to grow closer to the Lord than to consult with the big man himself.