During my charismatic days fasting was always considered a mark of high-voltage, super-duper Christianity. Only the best of the best could really do it, and lots of people tried it either to measure their own spirituality or to appear more spiritual to others - exactly the opposite of what Jesus instructed!

But fasting does serve an important purpose. Like regular Bible study and prayer, fasting should be a secret spiritual exercise. I have seen it applied in two Biblical ways: First as a personal discipline (as Jesus did in the wilderness), and on occasion as a corporate fast, called for a particular purpose or in preparation for an event like a mission, a meeting, or in seeking extraordinary wisdom in a difficult situation. I have known our church and presbytery to call for a fast when faced with a matter of church discipline for example, or to prepare for a particularly challenging mission.

I also find fasting very useful in helping me get a grip again when I've lost perspective. It is a powerful tool of self discipline because it is secret and because for a time at least, hunger looms large and ever-present - the perfect reminder. Bringing the body under subjection to the mind and heart is a completely valid and Biblical exercise, as long as it does not become a means of "earning" God's favor. That is superstition! Fasting does not earn brownie points. It does not make God more likely to hear our prayers. It is not a spiritual rabbit's foot that we invoke as if to move God on our behalf. Fasting is rather a discipline that we employ to subject ourselves more and more to Him. It is surrender, not an attempt to gain influence.

Self discipline is vital and wonderful when applied wisely to make one's life a living sacrifice. But it can also become a tool of self-deception, a means to prideful self-righteousness, or a superstitious attempt to gain God's favor if it's misapplied. Here are a few helpful Scriptures if you want to take some time to look at self-discipline:

1 Cor 9:27 Matthew 5:29, 16:24; Luke 14:26-27, 33; Rom 8:13

"Called" fasting, corporately:

1 Samuel 7:6, Joel 1:14 and 2:12 (for repentance). For guidance, Acts 13:2-3. As a blessing, Acts 27:33

-R