Training the WillSample

Hungry for Self-Discipline

If you want to grow in self-discipline, start fasting.[1]

I’m dreaming today of an army of hungry men: men who long more for righteousness and justice than steak and sex, who are practiced in saying “no” to their desires that they might say a better “yes” to self-controlled living, and men who fast with expectation of the feasting they’ll do with Christ when His Kingdom comes (Revelation 19:9).

Here’s my pitch:

1) You need more self-control, and so do I. Most of the worst decisions we’ve made included a failure of self-control. Years of fasting have helped my journey towards sexual purity, control of my words, etc. While fasting, you’ll feel like eating; fasting will teach you that you don't have to let feelings rule you.

2) Jesus said, “When you fast,” not “if you fast.” Fasting is obedience.

3) Fasting can be abused, done to excess, or done for the wrong reasons. This is worth consideration, but in my world, I’m a lot more concerned about the average man’s slavery to pleasure rather than about excessive, misguided, or legalistic fasting.

4) You’ve probably complained about a lack of time for spiritual disciplines. Isn’t it good news that fasting will actually save you time and free up time for prayer or service?

5) Kingdom fasting is different from intermittent or health-oriented fasting. In Kingdom fasting, we fast to cultivate expectation for the feast we’ll have with Christ in eternity. Kingdom fasting teaches us to say “no” to food so that we might say “yes” to Him.

6) Fasting leads to life. Some folks in my church shocked me last year when they decided to do a radical Lenten fast. For 6 weeks, they ate only one meal a day except on Sundays. Every one of them came out of the experience with profound growth and excitement. Perhaps we can trust that Jesus has good intentions when He tells us to fast.

Hebrews 12:1-2 sums this up well: “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles…let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” Imagine how our families, churches, neighborhoods, and nations might shift if we grow in the self-discipline that leads to righteousness.

Practice saying "no" to yourself to say a better “yes” to Christ.

Prayer: Lord, help me say “yes” to You. Show me my next steps and help me understand my own reaction to fasting. Increase my self-discipline and love for You and others. Amen.

Reflection: If you practice regular fasting, what helps you keep it focused and aimed at Kingdom outcomes? If you don’t, what holds you back?

[1] Consult your doctor if you have any concerns about how fasting may negatively affect your health.