Fasting Pitfalls

There is a very real danger that fasting can be overdone, or rather, done inappropriately. Reputable guidance for establishing a fast will point to the goal of drawing closer to God through identifying with the suffering of Christ. A fast makes sense in the context of emulating Jesus' temptation in the wilderness or in the general context of traditional spiritual disciplines, in which fasting is a well established practice among many. It makes much less sense in the context of Holy Week and Easter.

Jesus' suffering leading up to and including the crucifixion is by all accounts extreme and is worthy of contemplation and study. So, too, the fact that Jesus willingly accepted His fate, knowing full well the suffering that was in store and equally sure that He could escape it, just as He had slipped away at other times in His ministry. But on the way to the cross, Jesus suffered persecution and torture, not deprivation. The difference is important.

Lenten fasting is intensely personal, in its establishment, in its execution and in the results it produces. Persons who feel called to fast may be influenced by church traditions and pastoral suggestions, but the selection of the specifics of the fast are highly individual. The same goes for carrying out the fast, adapting and changing previous behaviors to accommodate cravings and using the same cravings for spiritual ends. And the desired result of a successful fast is a stronger personal relationship to the Almighty.

Jesus' suffering and death, on the other hand, was all about relationships. He shared the future with His disciples so that they would understand and would be fully aware of their choices as things unfolded. The infractions that upset the established order were made so that He could minister to people in their need. He scolded the temple leaders for their following the letter of the law while ignoring the plight of God's people. He died specifically to lead the world to God. And even His resurrection glory was for our benefit, since it simply re-established what was already His. At each point and in every way, Jesus' focus was on others, not himself.

Viewed in this way, Lenten practices must be different, more than spiritual New Year's resolutions. They must focus on God's desires, not our own. For many, this will require making space for God, getting rid of things that get in His way. Addictions of all sorts get in His way, so fasting from these things is a noble goal. And some may be successful at using fasting as a tool, setting aside what would otherwise be meal or snack time to pursue God's purposes or donating the savings in food cost to charity. Fasting as an end to itself, however, must be carefully examined to ensure it fits with God's will. In particular, fasting in private or as a means for self-improvement may fall short of His plan.

One may object that fasting can be used to discern God's will more clearly. I have not personally found this to be the case, but for those who are able to hear God's voice better on an empty stomach, I have no objections.

Others might ask, how about using Lent to become more fit for God's purposes, improving our individual spirituality so we can better worship Him and serve His people? These are worthy sentiments and improving spiritual consciousness should be a lifelong exercise. But God inexplicably accepts us as we are and I believe He equips us on the way, once we have already started the journey. Fasting that fits within an inspired endeavor achieves His purposes and gives Him glory. Fasting to prove or improve fitness for His service does not, for we will never be sufficiently fit to accomplish His goals by ourselves. Rather, it is only through His power that we are enabled to succeed. He is not limited by our limitations, but our reluctance to trust in His grace does prevent us from participating in His Kingdom.

May God's power enable you to succeed in His service this Lent.