It is not wrong to fast if we do it in the right way and with the right motive. Jesus fasted, and so did the members of the early church. Fasting helps to discipline the appetites of the body and keep our spiritual priorities straight. But it must never become an opportunity for temptation. Simply to deprive ourselves of a natural benefit (such as food or sleep) is not of itself fasting. We must devote ourselves to God and worship Him. Without the devotion of the heart there is no lasting spiritual benefit.

As with giving and praying, true fasting must be done in secret; it is between the believer and God. To “make unsightly” our faces (by looking glum and asking for pity and praise) would be to destroy the very purpose of the fast. Our Lord laid down a basic principle of spiritual living: Nothing that is truly spiritual will violate that which God has given us in nature. God usually does not tear down one good thing in order to build up another.
If we have to look miserable to be considered spiritual, then there is something wrong with our view of spirituality.

Scripture says: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:16-18).

Consider also: Matthew 4:1-4; Ezra 8:21-23; Joel 2:12-13.

Action assignment: Have you ever fasted? Prayerfully consider doing so. If God would have you fast, do it according to the guidelines of Scripture.

Warren Wiersbe
BackToTheBible.in