Fasting, Sin, and Going Hard after God
In his comment on my May 19th post, Gregory asked about whether fasting should ever include abstinence from things other than food. His point is well taken and is worthy of a post all its own.
Remember that Dr. Piper says that it is not the poison of evil so much as the simple pleasures of earth that most often distract us from devotion to God. These we have to renounce. That doesn't mean that we can never enjoy these things (unless they are sinful in themselves) but it does mean that if any of these are impeding our walk with God in any way, they need to go.
You might remember the words of John Wesley's mom, Susannah, who answered her son's question, "What is sin?" with these words:
This wise woman knew that Christians need to guard their souls from anything and everything that distracts them from God.
I've noted elsewhere that in a recent conversation someone asked me what my greatest pastoral concern is at this moment. It's an easy question to answer: My greatest concern is the fact that so few believers practice the spiritual disciplines which are meant to increase their devotion to God. And if someone were to ask me why this is so, I'd have to suggest that it is largely because so many people are distracted by so many lesser things.
If people are having a hard time finding time for daily, focused, and beneficial prayer, Bible reading, private worship, and communion with God, then they need to proclaim a fast from whatever it is that is keeping them from these delightful duties of the soul. It may well be that a prolonged period of abstinence from TV, sports, internet, movies and other forms of amusement needs to be considered.
This cannot be done as an end in itself; it must be done for the purpose of prayer and devotion. It must be done so that time and mind and heart can be dedicated to Christ, His Word and His love without the normal dulling distractions of other things.
Does this seem radical to you? If it does, then you need to ask God to give you a greater passion for Him.
If it doesn't and you find your heart connecting, how's this for a suggestion: (If you're a part of TFC) Why don't you do a fast starting right now through next Friday PM (when we gather for our time of prayer and singing at the close of our More of God season)? Why don't you reduce or even better, curtail all TV-watching, internet for entertainment purposes use, movie viewing, novel reading, non-Christian music listening, sports following, and/or any other amusements?
Then fill the time by reading the Word and good books on Christian faith and life, and by spending time in prayer.
If you don't think you could handle that, you've got a pretty good indicator that the world's got too strong of a hold on you. Are you up for it? If so, seize the moment and go hard after God!
Remember that Dr. Piper says that it is not the poison of evil so much as the simple pleasures of earth that most often distract us from devotion to God. These we have to renounce. That doesn't mean that we can never enjoy these things (unless they are sinful in themselves) but it does mean that if any of these are impeding our walk with God in any way, they need to go.
You might remember the words of John Wesley's mom, Susannah, who answered her son's question, "What is sin?" with these words:
Whatever impairs the tenderness of your conscience, weakens your reason, obscures your sense of God, or dulls your deep desire for spiritual things; whatever increases the authority of your body over your mind and will, that thing to you is sin.
This wise woman knew that Christians need to guard their souls from anything and everything that distracts them from God.
I've noted elsewhere that in a recent conversation someone asked me what my greatest pastoral concern is at this moment. It's an easy question to answer: My greatest concern is the fact that so few believers practice the spiritual disciplines which are meant to increase their devotion to God. And if someone were to ask me why this is so, I'd have to suggest that it is largely because so many people are distracted by so many lesser things.
If people are having a hard time finding time for daily, focused, and beneficial prayer, Bible reading, private worship, and communion with God, then they need to proclaim a fast from whatever it is that is keeping them from these delightful duties of the soul. It may well be that a prolonged period of abstinence from TV, sports, internet, movies and other forms of amusement needs to be considered.
This cannot be done as an end in itself; it must be done for the purpose of prayer and devotion. It must be done so that time and mind and heart can be dedicated to Christ, His Word and His love without the normal dulling distractions of other things.
Does this seem radical to you? If it does, then you need to ask God to give you a greater passion for Him.
If it doesn't and you find your heart connecting, how's this for a suggestion: (If you're a part of TFC) Why don't you do a fast starting right now through next Friday PM (when we gather for our time of prayer and singing at the close of our More of God season)? Why don't you reduce or even better, curtail all TV-watching, internet for entertainment purposes use, movie viewing, novel reading, non-Christian music listening, sports following, and/or any other amusements?
Then fill the time by reading the Word and good books on Christian faith and life, and by spending time in prayer.
If you don't think you could handle that, you've got a pretty good indicator that the world's got too strong of a hold on you. Are you up for it? If so, seize the moment and go hard after God!
Labels: Fasting, Sin, Spiritual disciplines
posted by Tim Shorey at
9:22 AM
4 Comments:
Here I am commenting on my own blog!
Here's my thought: the need we have when thinking over such matters as spiritual disciplines of any sort is to make sure that the gospel and grace inform all we do, including all we deny to ourselves for the sake of Christ.
Tomorrow's blog will be on the grace of God and how the gospel connects to fasting...hope you'll tune in.
I think that is an excellent idea. I also think what JR suggests would be helpful to those who are seeking MOG. When you included in your post the quote from Susannah Wesley whatever "obscure your sense of God or dulls your deep desire for spiritual things" it makes me think of the various people who have told me when they have properly prepared their body for a fast, they experience a heightened awareness of God, and are carried along with no discomfort. What could be better? A heightened sense of God with no discomfort. It seems like we'd be having our cake and eating it too. Whoops, bad analogy for the discussion!
A bad analogy perhaps, but a commen well expressed. Oh to have a heightened sense of God!
Does this seem radical to you? Yes, in in fact, I find it in complete rebellion to all the world is offering. And to that I say "Praise God!!"
Gregory
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