Tru,
I am wounded!
I have a masters in theology also.
When I give up "things", I use the time, effort, and money for the benefit of others. I picked things that were hard for me to do, and would allow me to adjust my life to a more sane concept.
Hours on the computer deprive me of hours of charitable sewing. Seconds on my plate could alert me to the hunger of others, as well as me giving the "extra" portions to the food bank. (not in my leftovers, but in canned goods.)
The money spent on carbonated beverages can provide clean water to disaster victims.
This is where I'm going with this... I just gave the shorthand version earlier.
You SHOULD trust me, I'm a nice girl! LOL!