Lenten Fasting

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Matthew 6: 16-18


The obseverance of fasting is one discipline that is often done by Christian folks everywhere during the 40 day season of Lent. Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians are obligated to fast during Lent. Protestant Christians have no such rules to follow - though some do participate in a fast of sorts in order to spiritually prepare their hearts for Easter Celebrations. Fasting by definition is the sacrifice of something (usually food) in order to both identify with the suffering of Jesus, and also to turn ones heart prayerfully towards Jesus. The need and hunger for food, reminds one of the need to turn to, and rely on Christ.

I know that a lot of people are participating in some type of fast this year, because they have told me - and anyone else with access to their Facebook account. Some have given up candy, some Ice Cream, some meat, some cursing, some speeding, some video games, and some have even given up Facebook - with an Ash Wednesday status update proclamation of "talk to you in 40 days."

I actually quite like the idea of fasting - I have done different types in the past, and have found them to be useful in pointing me towards Jesus and His righteousness. However, I have to wonder...why are all of these people fasting? Is it because they think it's something they're supposed to do? Is it because so many other people are doing it? Are they all truly fasting with the purpose of prayerful communion with Christ?

I am surely not one to judge other peoples intentions or motivations (as if I could). I pray that God blesses those who are fasting in order to eagerly seek His presence. I do, however take Biblical issue with the way in which folks are going about their fast, and I humbly offer this guidance.

In the above Scripture, Jesus is pretty clear that when you fast - you need to keep it quiet. It is just something between Jesus and you. You are not to let on to anyone else that you are fasting. This would seem to be informative to my Facebook friends who have announced to the world wide web that they are in fact fasting...shhhh, don't tell anyone.

Why would Jesus demand this of us?

Simply because the fast is for Him, and not for other people. The biggest barrier to prayerful communion with Jesus is our sinful pride. Pride in fasting comes when we share with others the fact that we are doing so. It almost screams of unspoken intent - "I sure am pretty spiritual huh?" Sharing the news of your fast with others seeks the applause of humans, but fasting in secret before God seeks the "reward of God."

For those of you fasting, may God bless what you do in secret as you seek to identify with the sacrifices of Christ.

Be God's, Scott