Is there value in Lent? Is there value in giving up those doughnuts I love so much? How about a "Facebook Fast" or abstaining for other forms of media. If so, what should be given up and what are the benefits? In Colossians 2, Paul states, "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh" (Colossians 2:20-23 ESV). Paul doesn't seem to have a high view of abstaining, at least not for the purpose of stopping our flesh from it's pursuits. This is because an external focus will never address the heart of our spirituality or sin issue. Sin is not "out there," sin begins in our own hearts and minds. Doughnuts are not the cause of my sin, my desires are (James 1:13-15). The obvious question is, "So, Paul, what IS of value (or helpful) in stopping the indulgence of the flesh?" The answer is not found in physical pursuits or restraints themselves, but in what we set our minds upon (Colossians 3:1-2). When we set our minds on Christ, we will put off the pursuits of the flesh and put on the spiritual pursuit of Christ-likeness. But how does one set their mind on Christ? Paul says, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)" To the Ephesians his similar admonition is "do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit"(Ephesians 5:17-18 ESV). In other words, be saturated with the Word of God, filled with the Spirit of God and make no provision for the appetites of the flesh! We attack the deceptions of the flesh with the truth of the Word and we submit to the work of the Spirit as we obey God's Word in the power of the Spirit.
An eternal focus is the result of the Scripture saturated, Spirit filled child of God. The passing nature of the physical world and this temporary body is secondary to the eternal reality of what is to come. To do otherwise, is to live opposed to the eternal life and hope which Christ died to give us. In Philippians 3, Paul puts it this way: "For many...walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (Philippians 3:18-21 ESV).
The physical pea shooters of mere physical restraint ultimately have no effect in an all out spiritual war. Should we fast? Some would say that Jesus' instructions on fasting in Matthew 6:16-18 were given before his death, resurrection and ascension and prior to the promise Holy Spirit. However we find the church fasting in Acts 13:1-3 we find the believers at Antioch fasting and the Holy Spirit directing them during this fast. What was the focus of their fast? NOT giving up food, but prayer! A chapter in Acts 14 later Paul and Barnabas are found "fasting and praying" as they commit newly appointed elders to the Lord. Again, the focus is not giving up, but rather pursuing Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. There is no sense of a bargaining with God and while this was a corporate fast (yes, they each knew the other was participating), they did not do it for the approval of others (Matt. 6:16-18), they did it to rid themselves of distraction.
So we find ourselves back at Colossians 3:2 where Paul exhorts us to "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." If fasting can help you clear away distractions in order to focus upon "Christ who is your life" (Colossians 3:3), then by all means fast. If fasting is in any way performance or a physical restraint to combat your fleshly indulgences, then be reminded that they "are of no value" to such ends. Faith in Christ is everything, so when we abstain or fast, may it be to express our longing for more of Christ! . Faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4-5). Faith is how we began this walk--not by works. Therefore, faith is how we daily continue this walk--by the Spirit (Galatians 3:1-3).
Let's not ask what our friends are giving up for Lent, rather let's ask those who are participating, "What are you pursuing?" and engage one another in a Christ-centered conversation that focuses on our longing for the person, work and promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Let us ALWAYS PURSUE CHRIST with all the strength that the Spirit of God provides! Pursuing anything less is chasing shadows...a lot of religious activity with little to show for it.
Additional resources on fasting:
1. Scripture: Isaiah 58
2. Desiring God Ministries: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/topic-index/fasting
- Including this quote: "Do you have a hunger for God? If we don't feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because we have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. If we are full of what the world offers, then perhaps a fast might express, or even increase, our soul's appetite for God. Between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is the path of pleasant pain called fasting."
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