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"Abstinence Can Only Lead to Further Indulgence" - To Give Up Or Not To Give Up?

So, it's that time of year again when self-righteous people give up random substances/activities and feel really good about themselves.

This "Lent" concept is beyond me. If you're going to give up something, give up for good, and because you're truly dedicated to the cause. Don't give up for a few weeks just because it's the done thing this time of year (this kind of ties in with my feelings about Valentine's Day, Mothers' Day and other atrocities) If you want to quit smoking, bloody quit smoking (or make a good attempt at it) Don't stop for 40 days and then fall right back off the wagon.

If we were in rehab, we'd be full of admiration for the junkie going cold turkey, valiantly struggling through without drugs. Then, suddenly, he falls right back into his old habits (pun intended) Would we be impressed? No. We'd feel bad for him, most likely.

Final point (for now...) is this. To give up something for a short period of time will only make things worse in the long term. It's been suggested that dieting can lead to bingeing. The 'science' behind this is simple: when you give up something, you end up thinking about it constantly, because you are being denied it. The more you try not to think of it, the more you inevitably crave it. Because you can't have it, you want it even more. At the point where you eventually give in, you want it more than anything. (Such is the nature of addiction) So you binge like crazy. During the 40 days of Lent, if you're going to give up something you usually enjoy (and if it's not something you're too bothered, about, why bother? You are a fraud. Please go away now...) you're going to spend the next 40 days thinking about it. And thinking about how good it's going to feel to be able to have it again when the 40 days are up. You'll be counting down to Easter, because then you don't have to deny yourself anymore. Let's face it - you're going to pig out (not necessarily literally. Depends what you give up...) Which then cancels out any 'good work' during the 40 days. You've made zero progress. You've consciously made a decision to binge once again. You've even set a date. Healthy, isn't it?

I think Jesus has a lot to answer for.

Article Published: Friday 25th May 2007