The Focus Of Fasting
“The central focus of fasting remains to draw near to God. It reveals sins from which we must repent. Fasting is an act of worship that changes our spiritual and physical posture toward God.” ~ Timothy Willard
“Why do I have to fast?” “Why do I have to abstain?” These questions get asked quite often as Lent approaches each year. Too many people view Lent and its practices purely as obligation. What do that “have to do” in order to say that they fulfilled their Lenten obligations?
I maintain that the moment those questions are asked, the person is already way off course because Lent is not about obligation. Lent is about opportunity. It is about invitation. Willard reminds us that “the central focus of fasting remains to draw near to God.” It is not to see who can starve themselves the most. It is not to see who can do the most works of charity. It is not a competitive season. It is an interpersonal season. It is all about a soul drawing closer to its creator.
When we view Lent as opportunity rather than as obligation, we will reveal to ourselves a deeper, richer season and come to Lent that much more prepared to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
FAITH ACTION: Embrace your acts of fast and abstinence for what they truly are: opportunities to draw closer to God.