Fasting and “Giving Up” Something for Lent
MaryAnn from Chicago asks:
Is there a Biblical basis for fasting during Lent? And would you look at “giving up” something as a form of fasting?
Ray Pritchard’s answer
I find myself in agreement with the “Internet Monk” when he writes about fasting from a New Covenant perspective. Since Lent is not a biblical command, we ought to regard it as a voluntary exercise that we undertake in concert with Christians everywhere as a way of preparing our hearts for Holy Week. Traditionally Lent involves times of introspection, confession and repentance. Fasting serves a good purpose if it helps us focus on the Lord. And “giving up” anything in our lives that may be a distraction can be a kind of “fasting.” I ran across someone who is “giving up” Facebook for Lent. Actually I can understand that because anything good can become addictive. So as long as we are “giving up” something with the goal of focusing our hearts on the Lord, I think it can be quite beneficial.Visitor Comments:
February 28, 2009, 6:57 AM patrick sullivan says: | |
 British / Australian . Retired Pastor. Hospital Chaplain. Creator and Webmaster of www.jesuschristonly.com | Hi Ray . I feel at times that we in the evangelical church have missed out on spiritual growth on a personal level by largely ignoring the tradition of self denial and discipline practiced by our brothers in other fellowships down through the years. Paul’s words in 1 Cor 9:27 NIV “No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” . Is he speaking of discipline and self denial for a specific spiritual personal purpose. What do you think Ray |
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