“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:16, ESV)
I want you to notice that Jesus says “when you fast.” He does not say, “if you fast.” It is assumed his followers practiced fasting. It was not something commanded of them. It is something they were already doing.
It is much different for us. When was the last time you heard a sermon about fasting? When was the last time you practiced fasting other than for dietary reasons? As Americans, it is almost inconceivable to deprive ourselves of anything, even if only for a short while. The spiritual discipline of fasting is something lost on many of us.
Fasting is mentioned in passing in the Bible. It is not something about which we find much detail. There are no how-to guides. And that is part of the beauty of it. There is great liberty when it comes to the spiritual disciplines such as fasting. They are not put on us as obligations. They are invitations to experience God in a new way. We can accept the invitation, or we can turn it down. If we miss out, there is no guilt other than the missed opportunity. Now keep in mind that Jesus does instruct the Sacraments. He tells us to “Go make disciples, baptizing all nations.” He tells us, “Take eat, my body and blood.” He tells us to do these things. These are are not optional. But nowhere does he tell us to fast.
Spiritual disciplines are not put upon us as a way to please God. Spiritual disciplines quickly become a pathway for to pride. Jesus warns us about this:
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1, ESV)
Spiritual disciplines easily become about us. They become about our own “will-power” to live a holy life. We might be led to take pride in what we are doing for God. We puff ourselves up about how dedicated we are when compared to the other “less dedicated” believers. We lament why they can’t be more like us. Jesus warned about using spiritual disciplines as a way to flaunt your godliness before others. There is the danger of flaunting it before ourselves. Spiritual disciplines are not for the building of pride, but of humility.
A final thing I want to say today is that spiritual disciplines are not tools for us to bring about transformation in our lives. We often make idols out of the disciplines. Spiritual disciplines are simply ways in which we make ourselves open and vulnerable to God. They are ways for him to have his way with us. God is the one who brings transformation. It is not your willpower. It is not the spiritual disciplines. It is not your righteousness, but God’s alone.
Questions
- What are some of the spiritual disciplines you practice?
- What are the value of those disciplines and why do you practice them?
- Are their spiritual disciplines about which you would like to learn more?
- Share your comments.
Cheri says
You’re right! The spiritual discipline of fasting is lost on me. I have no idea how to go about it, what the purpose is or where to find out about it. I have never heard it mentioned in any Bible study I’ve done or in a sermon. I think I need to do more exploring.
Tami Pino says
The church I belong to in CA is in the middle of a fast now. Our Pastor taught on it for a few sermons before. For the past 8 years ( I have only been there 1 1/2 yrs.) the congregation is asked to fast.. Giving God the first part of the year for prayer and fasting. And the Bible says when not if as you said. Thanks for all you do on this website…I truly enjoy your lessons! And plan to join soon… God will provide! Blessings.
Phil Ressler says
Cheri – I will be talking more about this in the coming weeks as we approach Lent. The whole idea of 40 Things to Give up from Lent stems from fasting. Fasting from food is the historical understanding of fasting. But we might consider fasting from other things as well.
Cheri says
I’ll look forward to it.
KA Lawrence says
It’s interesting that the implication is fasting from food, when really, one can fast from many things. I’ve been contemplating a techno fast; no cell phone, no Kindle, no TV. I usually do this about once a year, when on a 2wk. vacation in Canada. But due to circumstances beyond my control, I didn’t go this past year, and I am now craving some silence and solitude. Shutting off the world for a day, or two is not such a bad idea.
Sue K says
Fasting from negative comments, complaining etc… are great things to fast from and then prayerfully it becomes a habit. I have also fasted from shopping. (For us girls that can be a big thing! ) it not only saved me money to give towards missions etc…but lots of wasted time which I then used more productively.