Lent: More thoughts on giving up

To my mind, self-denial and philanthropy are private matters, unless perhaps by humble example one sincerely hopes to inspire others to similar acts of discipline. However, in these early days of Lent, we’re hearing a lot about the things people have given up.

Sometimes people like to squawk about their great sacrifices, to take credit for how reverent they are. If your main impetus in sharing your pious acts is to appear holy, catch your tongue before it starts to wag. The only glory in suffering is Christ's glory, so as you're giving up white foods or chocolate or coffee, add one more thing: give up whining as well.