“I discipline my body and keep it under control.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

The Lenten season is the forty days before Easter not counting Sundays beginning on Ash Wednesday. It serves as a penitential season of the Church. The tradition of fasting during the forty days of Lent has been practiced for centuries. Sundays are not counted because they are not days of fasting. We read accounts of fasting throughout the Bible. Jesus Himself fasted forty days in the wilderness after His baptism in the Jordan. 

Fasting is not about impressing other people or meriting God’s grace. However, exercising self-discipline is good for your spiritual wellbeing. The Augsburg Confession, one of the confessional books that our church holds to, includes the following. “Our adversaries object by accusing our teachers of being against discipline and the subduing of the flesh. Just the opposite is true…They have always taught that Christians are to bear the cross [Matthew 16:24] by enduring afflictions. This is genuine and sincere subduing of the flesh [1 Peter 2:11], to be crucified with Christ through various afflictions. Furthermore, they teach that every Christian ought to train and subdue himself with bodily restraints, or bodily exercises and labors. Then neither over-indulgence nor laziness may tempt him to sin. But they do not teach that we may merit grace or make satisfaction for sins by such exercises. Such outward discipline ought to be taught at all times, not only for a few set days. Christ commands, ‘Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness’ (Luke 21:34). Also in Matthew 17:21, ‘This kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.’ Paul also says, ‘I discipline my body and keep it under control’ (1 Corinthians 9:27). Here he clearly shows that he was keeping his body under control, not to merit forgiveness of sins by that discipline, but to keep his body in subjection and prepared for spiritual things, for carrying out the duties of his calling. Therefore, we do not condemn fasting in itself [Isaiah 58:3-7], but the traditions that require days and certain meats, with peril of conscience, as though such works were a necessary service.” (Augsburg Confession XXVI, 30-39)

Fasting is an opportunity to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Jesus [Luke 9:23]. It allows you to demonstrate the control God has given you over your body and desires. The more you desire or crave something, the more beneficial fasting from it will be. 

As we approach Ash Wednesday, consider fasting during the forty days of Lent. Abstain from something you desire and allow the Lord to use the discipline to strengthen your faith in Him. Maybe fast from unhealthy foods or consider fasting from unhealthy screen time. Then use the freed-up time for prayer and reading God’s Word (“Guide to Prayer and Meditation” is a helpful resource). And let the Lord train you in resistance to sin and readiness for service.