I debated whether to write this post because Jesus instructs us not to be like the Pharisees who make a big show of their fasting. But I decided that if I publicize my aim, I can’t go back on it. I need the accountability, because I’m not a stranger to fasting. When I was a youth pastor and we did World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine, I always got headaches. And I once did something similar to Ramadan for Lent, where I fasted during day light hours. I was a track coach at the time. We’d go to Saturday meets where the smell of burgers on the grill wafted from the concession stand. That was torture. I’m a big fan of food, so giving it up for six weeks will be hard.
Fasting is a discipline that has sort of fallen by the wayside in modern Christianity. I think our culture’s love affair with food has something to do with it, but so does our avoidance of discomfort at all costs. Ours is a culture obsessed with comfort, and in future posts I’ll explore the many ways our culture negatively influences our spiritual lives. For now I’ll leave you with this thought: An unwillingness to be uncomfortable leads to a life of mediocrity. Without discomfort, there is no growth. This is true of every aspect of life: physical, creative, intellectual, and spiritual.
I’ve spent the last few months readjusting to life in the States. I’ve settled into a bit of a routine with my new job and am starting to get into my writing routine somewhat. So it’s time for me to be uncomfortable again.