Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:16-18 (HCSB)
Whenever you fast, don’t be sad-faced like the hypocrites. For they make their faces unattractive so their fasting is obvious to people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward! But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face, so that you don’t show your fasting to people but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Today’s Question: Is fasting something that is a part of your spiritual life or just a ritual for those who are “super spiritual”?
Today’s Commentary:
Here’s the problem with fasting: it is just not appealing enough. So, it is past time for the Christian apparel and product industry to get with it and create a glamorous marketing campaign for the spiritual discipline of fasting. Below are my suggestions to “prime the creativity pump” of the Christian retail giants:
1. We need to launch a massive social media campaign that makes fasting have a great appeal. Let’s face it–fasting is just a boring concept. Let’s put a new face on it.
2. We need to provide a program that gets people more into the idea of fasting. Maybe we could fast as small groups, like many of the dieting and exercising support programs use.
3. People will jump on board with a fasting promotion if they are recognized for their deeds. Our churches could announce a rotation for fasting and have the “Fasting Family of the Day” pictorial on the church website’s home page.
4. We need to take some of the extremity out of fasting. Instead of a complete fast, we could trim back and skip a snack or have one less cup of coffee. Not eating is just not popular.
On second thought, as I peruse the previously mentioned suggestions, I realize that this was exactly what our Lord warned against. Fasting is hard. If I go one day without consuming a dessert item, I am tempted to call it a “fast.” Comedian Tim Hawkins was trying to be funny when he proclaimed, “Fasting to a Baptist means not going back for thirds.” I could laugh at that statement if I did not take it so personally.
Fasting has been neglected by most Christians I know. The one I know the best is me. I have experienced the joy of fasting in the past. The grumbling in your abdomen is like an alarm clock reminding you to pray. Going without food for a moment reminds you of God’s grace and provision. Every morsel I consume each day is a gift from my Lord.
So why should we fast? Beyond the cleansing health benefits, Christians should fast as a part of our commitment to prayer. The two are linked. We should fast in the midst of major life decisions, times of intense intervention for loved ones, or for those affected by catastrophic events. We do not, however, have to wait for something of earth-shaking magnitude to appear before we commit to fasting. We can fast anytime, for the purpose of drawing near to our God. Going without food for a predetermined period of time cleanses the mind, the heart, and the soul (as well as the body) as long as one condition is met. We must fast so that God is honored, not so that anyone else should see.
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #37: Followers of Jesus use the discipline of fasting to realize their complete dependence on God and the need for focused and intentional prayer.
Today’s Prayer Point: Consider a time of fasting, if not today, then in the near future. Pray and ask God to give you the motive and attitude that glorifies Him.
Shepherding Well 