I am currently reading the Easter story in my Bible.  I am touched by the fact that Jesus sacrificed His earthly life for me.  In the past, I have given up candy, cookies, or soda for Lent.  This token sacrifice has done little to bring me closer to God.  This year I am fasting from gossip.  It is much harder than not eating a food I know I can enjoy after Easter.  I have not been perfect, but have tried to be positive about others instead of tearing them down.  I know I do not want to start talking bad about others again.

Gossip is not the only thing I desire to give up forever.  My body does not need all the excess food I stuff down my throat.  I can also sacrifice eating excess food. Continuing to eat after I am full is keeping me from my health goals.  Most of the time I eat too fast to enjoy the taste.

Romans 12:1 is, “Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.”  (Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011)   Jesus sacrificed His earthly life just I would not have to pay for my sin.  I no longer want to continue doing wrong.  In the past, I have tried to excuse my gossip and overeating.  I realize any sin or wrongdoing is detestable to God. Instead, I choose to obey Him in every area of my life.