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THE GIFT OF HUMILITY
In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul introduces two concepts that are fundamental to fasting. First is the importance of sanctification, meaning to make holy, set apart, or consecrate: “May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely” (5:23). Sanctification is a work of God, where, through the power and work of the Holy Spirit and our collaboration with His efforts, He purifies and refines our character to be more like Christ. It’s not just a spiritual or moral purification; it’s a holistic transformation that encompasses the entire person. The process is ongoing throughout the Christian’s life, leading toward spiritual maturity and moral integrity and the goal of our being formed into the image and likeness of Christ (see Romans 8:29).
This verse goes on to say: “May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Fasting is a spiritual practice that engages the soul, serves the spirit, and benefits the body, all for the purpose of the sanctification of the whole person in growing more like Christ.
I have found that the most lasting and transformational spiritual benefit to fasting is the gift of humility. In Psalm 69:10 we read, “I wept and humbled my soul with fasting.” We see the word humbled used here and in other references (see 35:13 for example). Ezra 8:21 says, “I proclaimed a fast there at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”
The very basis of our faith speaks to a creation constantly humbling itself in the presence of a holy God. Humility is always the bedrock of worship.
Let me add that you cannot fast yourself into the character of humility. That is a result of a life submitted to the leadership and direction of the Lord and His Spirit. Fasting humbles your soul so your spirit can pray, and there, in that rare and beautiful space, Jesus meets you to form and renew you.
Once our souls are humbled through fasting, we are positioned to begin the serious and joyous kingdom work God has laid before us to do.
Why would fasting lead to humility? Why does humility draw us closer to God?
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Fasting is, at its core, an invitation to intimacy with God. It’s an emp¬tying of all, so we can be filled by His all. Yet many of us aren’t sure how to start making this transformative practice a part of our lives. As Reward Sibanda explores, we never finish a fast the same person we were when we began, because through fasting we become more of who God created us to be.
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