During Lent, God calls us to give up our sin. His pointed attacks against the sins that beset his people help us put off the attitudes and actions of our sinful nature. His perfect righteousness as our substitute assures us that we are right with God and empowers us in godly living. This week Jesus confronts our misplaced expectations that a life following him should be characterized by happiness and ease. He calls us to be willing, as he was, to give up anything and everything for the sake of God and his Kingdom. He lovingly warns us that, if we spend our lives serving our stomach, our house will eventually lie desolate.