Fasting on a Full Stomach (Part 1)

The question is often asked, “Should Christians fast today?”  People know that it was done in Bible times, but we don’t talk much about it now.  Is it useful…necessary…commanded?  Fasting as mentioned in the Bible is temporarily choosing not to partake of food and drink for a spiritual reason.  In the Old Testament era, the Jews fasted frequently, though there was only one fast prescribed by the law. Once each year, on the Day of Atonement, the Hebrews were to “afflict” their souls (Leviticus 16:31), which referred to fasting (cf. Isaiah 58:3).  Though there are no fasts commanded in the New Testament, our covenant seems to indicate that Christians would, at times, see the need to fast.  When the Lord’s disciples were criticized for not fasting, Jesus responded by pointing out that it wasn’t appropriate for them to fast while he was still on earth, but the time would come when He would be taken away from them; then they would fast (Luke 5:35). 

Jesus did caution the disciples about improper motivation to fast: “… when you fast, be not, as hypocrites. . . ” (Matthew 6:16).  The Pharisees would fast from eating, and instead of using the experience to grow inwardly and draw nearer to God, they exaggerated the effects of the hunger by making themselves look pitiful.  Their desire was to be noticed and heralded by others.  It is significant that he did not say, “if,” but, “when” you fast—reflecting the expectation that they would.  But, fasting, for the Christian, seems to be expected on a strictly voluntary basis.  The practice helped people train themselves to exhibit self-control and self denial. 

Now, I’d like for you to consider a scenario with me: Imagine a person who “fasted” regularly…every day even.  Wouldn’t they die from such a level of dedication?  But here’s the WAY they fasted:  At midnight, they fast until morning (breakfast); then, they fast until mid-morning snack; then, again until lunch; and again until supper…then, they start the cycle over again.  This person’s “fasting” is no sacrifice at all.  They are simply doing exactly what they please…and then they feel proud when any of their actions appear to be spiritual service.  This person is “fasting on a full stomach.” 

For the next few weeks I want to explore this idea further.  We’re not just talking about fasting …in fact, that was just an example to bring us to a place where we can examine our own lives and hopefully find the willingness to change.  This idea of “fasting on a full stomach” represents: 1) SERVICE without SACRIFICE; 2) OBEDIENCE without SUBMISSION; and 3) OUTWARD APPEARANCES without INWARD BEING.

----Darrell Powell