Discipline
Few people embrace the word discipline. It implies structure, rigidity, inflexibility and even legalism. Discipline in the minds of most is the opposite of freedom. We think that freedom means we can do whatever we want, and discipline is restrictive. Truthfully, the exact opposite is the case. The runner who has a strict workout regimen has the freedom to run a marathon. I have no such freedom! The person who has the discipline to pay off debt has far more freedom to make choices not dictated by creditors. I could go on. The point is made. Discipline is a pathway to freedom.
The Bible commends discipline as necessary for growth in godliness:
1 Timothy 4:7b-8
...Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Paul introduced an athletic image with the words train yourself. The term he uses gives us our word gymnasium. Paul is commending a spiritual workout program.
Titus 2:11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age
God's grace helps us to say no. Fasting is, in part, NO training! It is the space in the gym where we work our resistance muscles. Saying no develops self-control and fosters godliness. During this nearly three weeks you have probably experienced many levels of saying no. Early on saying no brought awareness of the reflexive nature of our yes. We mindlessly say yes to more food, more media, more whatever we pushed away. As we progressed, we noticed an internal resistance. No felt frustrating. In time though, no gets easier. We even start to wonder why it was so easy to say yes just nineteen days ago.
With just a few days left in the fast, you might consider a maintenance routine. How can you bring the training of fasting to one day of your week? It might be a day without meals, a day without media, a day without whatever you pushed away. There is great freedom to be discovered in the practice of fasting. Spend time today thinking of ways to bring the fast forward with you.
Today's Prayer
Thank God for the new freedoms you have discovered through saying no. Ask God to reveal a fasting plan that will continue your growth in godliness.
Final Thoughts
Fasting is better with friends. Is there someone you might invite to train with you in the gym of fasting?
A Song