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Article #12

To Eat or Not to Eat?

Part 3

by: Anthony B. Campbell

"Moreover, when you fast, be not as the hypocrites..."

Matthew 6:16Before you commit to a fast, answer this question- "Why do you want to fast?".

Fasting is a very serious sacrificial act that should not be taken lightly. You must make sure you are engaging in a fast for all the right reasons. In the first article, I gave you some examples of individual’s from the Bible who fasted for various reasons. They all had a SPECIFIC purpose for their fast. It was either a decision or an occasion that necessitated a more "serious" spiritual focus. So, what is your reason?

As beneficial as fasting may be, as with anything else, we (children of God) have a way of ruining even the most spiritual of spiritual endeavors. In Isaiah 58:3-11, the prophet Isaiah describes the difference between a counterfeit fast and a true one. What prompted this comparison? Apparently, the children of Israel were wondering why God had not noticed their "sacrificial" act. God showed them exactly where the problem was - self. If the focus of your fast is to call attention to yourself and your spiritual "greatness" or demonstrate how much better you are than the other saints, then you might as well have a meal because your fast is in vain. A true fast, Isaiah said, has a serious purpose and desired outcome. One should never fast just to say you fast. Look very carefully at Isaiah’s words in verse 6 and 7. It’s about sacrifice in order to know, understand and do God’s will.

In Matthew 6, Jesus deals specifically with the "how to’s" of a true and counterfeit fast. If you decide to fast, take note of what he says. The main thing is no one needs to know you are fasting. It is a private thing between you and God. You should be going about your life as usual. You don’t have to tell others how you are starving or show your piousness because you are fasting. When you fast, it is not to be "seen" by others but done in secret "and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."

Child of God, fasting may be just the tool that you need from your spiritual arsenal. Although you may not be commanded to engage in it, this sacrificial act of self denial can be very beneficial in your Christian walk. Even Jesus said that some things are best dealt with by prayer and fasting. If you decide to proclaim a fast, ask the Lord to guide you so that it will have the most spiritual outcome. So, are you ready NOT to eat?