Even Christians who don't necessarily observe Lent can benefit from giving something up for a season.
The idea behind giving things up is based on Jesus's teaching that those who want to be His disciples must deny themselves, pick up their cross daily and follow Him (Lk.9:23).
Denying oneself some pleasure or habit also fits in with the Bible's call for us to have dominion.
This is because getting dominion across your life starts with getting dominion over yourself...
... and giving something up helps us learn self-mastery under God.
The Apostle Paul put it this way...
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything (1 Cor.6:12).
Is there some permissible activity that's become too dominant in your life?
Perhaps a food? A drink? A habit? A hobby or form of recreation?
And maybe this is consuming time, energy, money or some other resource that you could put to better use?
This could be a good time to give it up -- at least until Easter.
The discipline involved will surely help you get greater mastery in all areas of your life.
And who knows?
The Lord might even help you discover something worth giving up for good.
None of this, of course, is a way of gaining God's favor -- that only comes be His grace.
But seasons of fasting from certain activities is a means to growing in grace...
And becoming more of who He intends you to be in His world.