Hebrews 5:8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
The Lenten practices of fasting and almsgiving can sometimes be thought forms of suffering. Giving up sweets and social media are hard enough. Fasting from worry and gossip are certainly difficult. Fasting detaches us from our comforts and ourselves. Giving as the first expense item in our budget helps us prioritize our spending. Giving sacrificially, as we are called to do, may require giving up certain activities or luxuries.
By fasting and almsgiving, we intentionally acknowledge God’s authority in our lives. This small-scale suffering helps us learn obedience to His will.
We admit that God is God and we are not. He is in control and we do well to be obedient to His commandments. Whatever suffering comes from these practices we offer up for the good of others and for the benefit of His kingdom.
So – put God first in your life, including in your finances. Pray, fast, and give alms first in your budget. It is in this obedience that we begin to realize the peace, contentment, and joy that we truly seek.
Photo credit: Bob Davis
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