February Fast - 21 Days Of Seeking HimSample

I Am Not an Animal!

Animals are governed by their instincts; humans are governed by our choices. This also means that my feelings and desires are subject to me; I am not subject to my feelings and desires.

In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he is talking about his desire to see as many people saved as possible. But as Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” Then Paul also realizes that he cannot just be telling everyone about Jesus but not pursuing Jesus himself, so he goes on and says:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

In “striking a blow to his body,” Paul is saying that he will take control of his body and not the other way around. We live in a world that says, “If it feels good, do it!” Paul, however, draws a comparison with the athletes, who because of their goal of becoming number one in a race, choose to live disciplined even when it doesn’t feel good.

Let’s not kid ourselves; fasting doesn’t feel good. But the pleasure of knowing that I’m in control of my feelings is so much better than any passing craving.  

Jesus, I pray that my YES to you will always govern my daily choices.
As I fast, I want to grow in my ability to not just live according to my feelings and desires, but by my convictions. Thank you for strengthening me! Amen.