Today, I passed a church sign stating, “Lent is like Spring cleaning for the soul.” That was my sign to share this devotional with you.

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”                                                                        I Peter 2:21 (NIV)

It never fails. Whether completing my weekly cleaning duties or tackling the more detailed “spring cleaning” projects, I can fill up at least one large bag of “stuff”. Stuff I need to get rid of. Items that are outdated or unused – old mail, expired coupons, clothes, etc. Stuff that I don’t need or don’t use. 

My problem is I keep everything – you never know when you might wear those parachute pants again!

In my cleaning frenzy, I usually end up focusing on what to keep rather than what I should throw away. The question in my mind becomes, “Will I use this again … ever?” Consequently, I often uncover forgotten treasures. Cherished trinkets, a card from a friend, a memento of a special event. Stuff I hold dear but sometimes forget I have. Stuff stored up as positive reminders and artifacts of life.

During the season of Lent, people become focused on what to give up. In some cases, it is only a temporary denial of a treat or vise, and, for others, it is the eradication of something that is bad from their life in hopes that the removal will be permanent. This “giving up” something for Lent is to be symbolic of Christ’s suffering. Denying ourselves of something we appreciate or enjoy as a sacrifice. 

This year for Lent, however, I have decided to approach it the same way I approach cleaning house. I chose to focus on what to keep to be more like Christ. I decided to search through my spiritual closet and uncover those treasures I have placed aside choosing one to take on during Lent as a step to become more like Jesus.

I have come to realize that the season of Lent can be more about making the right choices for Christ and not just about giving things up to honor Him. 

I read somewhere that it takes 21 days of consistent behavior to create a habit. With that in mind, during the 40 days of Lent I should be able to master a concept to be more Christ-like.

This task, however, has proven to be more difficult for me than giving up chocolate – or better yet French fries! Yet, I think it will be more rewarding and have longer lasting effects. 

Just like cleaning house can be about creating better habits to keep it clean, the season of Lent can be too. 

Instead of denying myself chocolate for 40 days and then gorging myself on Easter candy, I am focusing on being selfless and I don’t intend to go on a selfish rampage the day after Easter. I hope to make it part of who I am.

I chose selflessness – a hidden treasure. What would you choose? What would you choose to focus on to be more like Jesus? Generosity, knowledge, justice, mercy, forgiveness, unconditional love? That list is long and diverse and some of those concepts are definitely more challenging than others. 

It is difficult to decide what to keep and what to throw out of our homes and our lives. Looking through the qualities of Christ what do find that you can dust off and put on for God?