Friday, February 24, 2023
“No Meat Today”
This is the first of our diet-related challenges for this Lenten Season. The traditional “No-Meat Friday” should be familiar to many people, since many of our brothers and sisters in Faith have practiced this discipline for many years. Lots of us grew up eating fish on Fridays because so many schools, restaurants, and other establishments recognized this long-standing tradition of the Christian Church. But Why do we do it?
The reason we practice this discipline is actually very simple: Abstaining from our most basic source of protein requires lots of thought and focus. Some of us will struggle to abstain from meat for 24 hours (any 24-hour period will do!). Others may find this challenge to be easy. But even seasoned pros can mess this one up if it’s been almost a year since they last thought about their diets.
Yes, I said the “D” word, as in “Diet”. As much as I’d like to admit that I don’t need to practice dieting, a little extra help during the next six weeks can’t hurt. I’ve learned from many years of experience that even a minimal sacrifice can often shave a few, unwanted ounces. Refraining from meat for 24 hours ain’t exactly the same as Jenny Craig, but, boy howdy! Being careful one day a week can make a bigger difference than I might otherwise think.
So, that’s it! It’s the first Friday of Lent and it’s time to refrain from red meat, pork, and poultry for 24 hours! Can we do it? Yes! We can do almost anything for 24 hours!
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NLT)
