The Practice of Fasting (in light of Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Faith by D.S.W.)

Sometimes I’ll scroll on the internet and happen upon another post perhaps praising a diet with chia seeds and celery sticks or telling the story of a monk who starved himself to death in devotion to his deity or cause. Oftentimes when the term “fasting” is brought up, people will roll their eyes as they think of over-the-top, sometimes extremist, behaviours among health-guru yoga moms, teenagers with eating disorders and fanatics that believe starving themselves will earn them a spiritual reward. Even among Christian religious groups fasting is on the low. It is not understood or prioritized, and many Christians don’t see the appeal as their faith-lives are “just fine” without it. In the book Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, 2014, Donald S. Whitney begs to differ.

Fasting is one of many spiritual disciplines, which is discussed in the first chapter of the book. Whitney clarifies that certain things are spiritual disciplines, others are just hobbies or activities (7). Whitney also describes that we are meant to pursue holiness and that these disciplines are means to this (2, 9). He describes, however, that “discipline without direction is drudgery” (1). We will want to pursue holiness when we have the holy spirit, but these disciplines are still disciplines that need practice and work (4, 16-20). When discipline becomes more important than or disconnected from the gospel, it’s not done right or with the right motivation and goal (8-9). We must also recognize that God grants us love because He wills it, not because we perform these disciplines (3). This also means that these disciplines are not ends but means towards godliness / Christlikeness (9).

As mentioned earlier, some people may not fast because it seems like extreme devotion (100). However, fasting is encouraged and is actually mentioned more than baptism in the Bible (100). Whitney writes, “notice Jesus’ words at the beginning of Matthew 6:16-17: “And when you fast…But when you fast…” (emphasis added). By giving us instructions on what to do and what not to do when we fast, Jesus assumes that we will fast. This expectation is even more obvious when we compare these words with His statements in that same passage - Matthew 6:2-3 - about giving: “Thus, when you give… But when you give…” (emphasis added). Compare also His words in the same section—Matthew 6:5-7—about praying: “And when you pray… But when you pray… And when you pray…” (emphasis added). No one doubts that we are to give and to pray.” (102-103). Whitney also describes that “Christians in a gluttonous, denial-less, self-indulgent society may struggle to accept and begin the practice of fasting.” (100). So what is fasting and what does it do? In chapter 9, fasting is described as  “a believer’s voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.” (100). Fasting is a means to strengthen prayer (105). All other reasons usually lead back to this as well. Fasting does not change God’s mind, but changes our praying and makes us more receptive (105, 107). Fasting is a means to seek God’s guidance (106), to express grief (107), to seek deliverance or protection (108), to express repentance and return to God (109), To humble oneself before God (110), to express concern for the works of God (111), to minister to the needs of others (111), to overcome temptation and dedicate yourself to God (112), and to express love and worship God (113). It is not to be used as self-punishment and will be in vain if it doesn’t come from a heart of repentance (110). Fasting should be for a reason, not outside of God or just “because” (104/105). Fasting should be between you and God, only told to others out of courtesy (103). This removes any performance goal of it, instead making it something sincere.

Fasting still seems like something that doesn’t have a unique spiritual thing tied to it. It has a lot to do with prayer and prayer can stand on its own, though it makes sense that fasting would increase the focus, span and maybe even the sincerity of the prayer. Whitney describes that, “In Joel 2:12, the Lord specifically commanded His people to signify their repentance and their return to Him by fasting: “‘Yet even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’” (109). I do think my understanding of fasting has become better in the sense of both how it is expressed, how it is practically done and how it strengthens, as said, your prayer and receptiveness.

If practiced, this spiritual discipline would help someone engage the world around them more actively through deep relation to God. Fasting takes away something that takes a lot of time and focus and redirects it towards a relationship with God and practices like prayer. I believe your relationship with God directly changes / impacts the way you approach any other relationship in life, and I think engaging deeply with God will only change these things for the better.

Fasting is a privilege, not an obligation (113). It is however highly encouraged as a spiritual discipline in means to walk the path of Godliness and close relationships with both God and the people around us. I think Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life is a good way to learn about these practical and spiritual assets of different disciplines. I think it makes way for one's own thoughts and consideration along with possible further study and actual practice.