The Novelty Detox for Lent: Letting Go of Novelty and Being Present in the EverydaySample

Day 2: Removing Novelty as an Idol

In some ways, the pursuit of novelty isn’t all that novel. Instead, it has become a habit—one that is draining the life out of you. Now, there are several shallow pursuits that consume our time and our energy, and it’s time to let them go.

When I first realized that novelty had become my idol, I knew I had to make changes. The idol was growing quickly, and I didn’t want to be crushed by it. Novelty can be a wonderful way to appreciate the world temporarily—but once I recognized that the root of my obsession with novelty stemmed from childhood pain, my neurodivergence, and even elements of pride, I understood that something had to change.

We tend to shy away from words like “pride” because they may sound harsh and judgmental. That’s exactly how I felt—isn’t that a bit too much? But I’ve learned that if I’m not honest with myself, I minimize the issue. Naming it for what it is has helped me find freedom, because there is liberation in truth—not for the sake of legalism, but to bring a clear confession before the Father and seek His forgiveness. If labeling feels unhelpful for you, frame it in a way that resonates with your mind and heart, so you can pursue repentance and move forward.

Our First Two Steps:

1. Repentance

Repentance is a beautiful gift because it re-centers our thinking towards our Heavenly Father. There may be deeply rooted reasons for our constant desire to seek new things. Perhaps it stems from feeling abandoned as a child, or from being a natural thrill-seeker. It might be tied to personality traits, or something deeper like PTSD. On the other hand, it might be as simple as falling into a bad habit, like phone addiction, which leads us to chase constant dopamine hits. Whatever the reason, God desires to replace that empty pursuit of thrills with a life that is full, meaningful, and abundant—one driven not by fleeting pleasures, but by a central purpose: our Creator.

2. Identifying Your Triggers

Clearing out idols may seem overwhelming, but trust me—it’s worth it. Start by making a list of your “novelty triggers” or “novelty idols” (whichever phrasing works for you). Where does novelty have the strongest pull on you? Is it relationships, travel, gadgets, or clothes? Write them down.

Next to each one, write down your ‘why.’ Why are you drawn to this particular novelty? Is it to fill a void? Is it a distraction? Is it a genuine interest—or a mix of both? Then, consider the cost. What has this pursuit of novelty taken from you? Time? Money? Emotional or spiritual energy? Write that down too.

Setting New Boundaries

To release the idol of novelty, you’ll need to establish new boundaries. You might decide to limit yourself to one holiday a year or restrict new clothing purchases to twice a year. Perhaps you need to abstain from romantic relationships for a time or set a curfew for social media. Maybe it’s time to try a phone fast or even give up your phone entirely for a while. Prayerfully and honestly determine what boundaries you need. As you dismantle the idol of novelty, you may uncover other idols—that’s okay. It’s all part of the journey to freedom.

The Work Ahead

Now that your idols are out of the way, you’re left with silence—a space to reflect on the root cause of your novelty-seeking. What areas of your life can you deepen? Where is there genuine richness, and how can you nurture and expand it?