I’ve been thinking about a different kind of fast. As Lent approaches, many people think about fasting, or giving up something for the weeks leading up to Easter. Often it is some kind of indulgence, such as chocolate or ice cream, or some form of entertainment. Giving up something that is a normal part of life is a small sacrifice intended to show our devotion to God. Ideally, it is not done to draw attention to ourselves, but as a quiet act of reverence, just between us and the Lord.
The time between Ash Wednesday and Easter is a time for reflection. It is a time to think about honoring God with our lives. It is a time to consider all that Jesus gave up for our sakes. Jesus left all the glories of heaven and came to earth to live among us. Fully God, yet fully man, He laid aside His divine power and subjected Himself to human limitations. Though tempted in every way, He did not give into the temptations. Unlike the rest of humanity, He lived a perfect, sinless life. He then died on the cross for our sins. He took on Himself the wrath we deserved for our sins, so that we could receive a right standing with God through Jesus’ righteousness.
A friend of mine suggested recently that for Lent, instead of setting aside some material item, we might consider adding some things to our lives. She suggested focusing our attention on cultivating more of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. The Bible refers to the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, patience and self control (Galatians 5:23-24). These are things God produces in us as we draw closer to Him. In order to make room for such fruit, we have to lay aside the things that get in the way of their growth. It would mean giving up, or laying aside things like pride, selfishness and self-focus. It is letting God’s Spirit have more control over our desires.
Alicia Britt Chole, in her book, 40 Days of Decrease, writes about a different kind of fast.
(I recommend anything written by this author.) She talks about laying down self-reliance and replacing it with utter dependence on God’s Spirit. She encourages fasting from things like stinginess, or from a spectator faith. She asks if a “polite fast” from social media or designer coffee can really lead us to be awed by Christ’s death, resurrection and return. She cites Psalm 51, which points out that the sacrifice God looks for is a broken spirit and contrite heart.
When Jesus walked the earth and taught, He didn’t just want a change in behavior. He was concerned with our heart condition. Words and actions flow out of what is in the heart (Luke 6:45). God wants our heart. He is pleased with humility.
As we approach the Lenten season, may we fast from self–self-focus, self-indulgence, all forms of selfishness–and open our hearts to what God wants to do in our lives. May we let Him shape our hearts. May we fast from all the things in life that displease Him.
“Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. . . Has not my hand made all these things and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2 NIV
How are you motivated to try a ‘different kind of fast?’ Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Copyright 2025 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by beauty_of_nature from Pixabay
Thank you for this great post, it highlighted some areas I should work harder on!
You are welcome, Paul. I am glad you found it helpful.
Thanks for the post, Phyllis. Focusing on God and less on the world and self is a goal for any time of year. I appreciate you focusing your blog that topic.
Thank you, Joni. You are so right.
Phyllis, we really appreciated this
post. We ordered 40 Days of Decrease and will use it for Lent.
Thank you, Debby. You won’t be disappointed.