FASTING “FAD?”

We are in the season of Lent. Many denominations follow this tradition. There are some Church denominations that do not follow this tradition, like the Baptists, Pentecostals and a few others. 

Whether one follows it or not, is not the point. Everyone has the freedom to decide for themselves in matters of tradition, If we are following it, then we need to ensure that, our fasting is meaningful, and not some religious ritual, that we follow, because everyone else is following. Our fasting, this Lent, should make us *’fitter’ for God, to be used as, His servants and slaves, for His glory and praise.* Following anything religiously as a ‘religious fad’ will have no blessing to us.

Forgive me for pointedly asking such provoking questions. I ask it with humility, and a deep awareness of my own need of God, and His grace, to live for Him, and His kingdom, as His disciple and His ambassador.

We have seen enough world to realise that, the traditions of the Church, however well meaning, can become empty rituals, and make us merely follow a religious tradition, with no visible change whatsoever in our thoughts, words and deeds. Such practices are of no worth at all. “6 He [Jesus] answered and said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honours Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.” – Mark 7:6

We see many of our friends from other religions, who have such strict forty day fastings, and other equally stringent rituals. However, there is no change what-so-ever after the season ends. They simply go back to their “normal” life.

May we be honest while practicing Lent. May we do so to seek a deeper and meaningful relationship with God. May we do it to cleanse ourselves of all that is unwanted. *May we seek God, to be filled by His power and strength, to be a better and more effective witness for Him.* May the LORD be lifted up in and through us.

Even if one does not wish to follow it, let us always, seek the LORD, on a daily basis, for strength to live for Him, so that the LORD is lifted up, in our thoughts, words and deeds, all the days of our lives. Even so, the LORD help us.