Discipline during Fasting - Blessings of Subtraction
Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice… and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry…, then your light will rise in the darkness… (Isa 58:6,10)
Is it really true that more is better, and blessings are only seen through addition? Does subtraction mean the opposite of blessing? The Lent period is observed by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy word. It is a season to consider subtraction as a blessing: subtract comfort and some pleasure, glory and even your money more deliberately for the sake of others. It is a time to give ourselves to serious discipline with the strictness that is required. Like Paul, it sometimes involves to “beat my body and subdue it” (1Cor 9:27). I personally am giving myself to the discipline of reading, for many reasons as I will explain below.
The world is hungry and in dire need for leaders that are readers. In fact to be a good disciple of Jesus Christ today, you need to be a reader. Two key reasons stand out: first, we are called upon to always be ready to give a defense of the hope and faith in Jesus Christ (1Pet 5:15); second, there are many false teacher around and arising who will lead astray unsuspecting disciples who have not been adequately rooted in faith with understanding. These two reasons make a strong case for everyone to read consistently: read and meditate on the Word of God, as well as read other books systematically and widely. This is necessary equipment for the believer’s life today; it will enable you to see the chains of injustice that need to be loosed, and the hungry in whose behalf you can actually spend yourself. It is time for you to take that book and study; buy the book – whether a hard copy or an e-book; read and grow that necessary strength.
Think about the message of our Lord regarding prayer, in Matt 6:5-14. ‘When you pray...’ implies that prayer is not optional; it is important and Jesus expected his disciples to make it part of their regular personal discipline. While joining in public prayer meetings is essential, private or personal discipline is essential too; family prayers are essential as well; that secret room and time when you are engaged with God builds you in a unique way, and that strength is needed in the Church. It is time for you to recover your discipline of regular prayer life, if it had slackened; and it is time to grow deeper for those who are standing firm. Whatever good has been on the procrastination table for a long time, it is now time for a disciplined follow up.
Remember that you Father in heaven is interested in your discipline; that is why we are reminded that “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matt 6:6). May the LORD grand you grace for a disciplined life. God bless you all as you.