What is fasting? It seems people think fasting is a good thing, something every Christian should consider doing. later. One day I am gonna fast! But just like with exercise, its somewhat of a love hate relationship we have with fasting. Me personally? shhh… I hate fasting. It’s a step above putting cigs out on your own arm. Fasting has been assigned a spiritual mystery, but I don’t know what it is, and I don’t buy into the popular teachings. There are tons of modern-day ideas about fasting, but the best I can tell, it’s all mostly conjecture and opinion. The most common teaching on fasting is that something magical happens to get us closer to God. How often should we do it? Are we commanded to fast? Do you ever feel guilty about not fasting? Do you feel accomplished? What are the benefits? Does it draw you closer to God? Are prayers heard better? Your answers to these questions reveal a tremendous amount about how well you understand the Gospel of Jesus. What did Jesus teach us through words and actions about fasting? Is it possible many of us have it wrong? My premise today: The popular understanding of fasting changes once we put Jesus at the center of the subject.
