Fasting With OthersSample

Fasting Is Not A Competition

We can be tempted to turn our fast into a competition. To avoid that temptation, we should fast with others based on the truth of the Bible.

Humans are born with a desire to receive recognition from others. It can become sin when we place our faith and satisfaction there. Philippians 2:3-4 warns us to turn the opposite direction from “vain conceit.” We are to instead place our faith in Jesus and do all things for His glory. This can be applicable in the area of fasting as well, especially when you may be fasting in a group setting. John Crossman points out that we should not bring a competitive mindset to our fasting.

Fasting should never be a competition. A fast can reveal, among other things, a hardness within your heart. It can help to refocus your attention. John Crossman believes any fast, even a short one, is pleasing to God. It is the action of the heart that brings glory to God - it is not measured by how much or how extreme the fast may be. Be wary of turning fasting into a competition or making it an effort to try to prove your worth to God. Fasting with others can be encouraging when it is based on Biblical truth. But when the purpose of the fast is to boast about being better than someone else, it is sinful. Fast with the intention of glorifying God and realigning your heart to His will. In this, He finds great joy.

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• What are some precautions you can take to avoid bringing a competitive nature into fasting?
• What is a small area in your life where you can fast in order to turn your heart towards God today?