What not to do when fasting as a Christian | 9 issues to consider

The following are nine things a Christian should not do when fasting:

• Engaging in pleasurable activities (Isaiah 58:3)
• Exploiting your employees (Isaiah 58:3)
• Engaging in strife and non-productive debates (Isaiah 58:4)
• Oppressing others (Isaiah 58:6)
• Hide yourself from your own flesh (Isaiah 58:7)
• Pointing of the finger (Isaiah 58:9)
• Speaking wickedness (Isaiah 58:9)
• Showing off that you are fasting  (Matthew 6:16)
• Dishonoring your wife (1 Peter 3:7)

The practice of fasting is one of the key teachings enshrined in the Christian faith. Consequently, every believer is expected to fast in order to overcome the enemies of the Christian faith. These enemies include the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life identified in 1 John 2:16.

A Christian also needs to fast in order to win the battle against the invisible but powerful forces of evil identified in Ephesians 6:12. These include principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this age, and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

So what does the Bible say about the subject of fasting? How should a Christian fast? Does the Bible give us examples of fasting? What should you not do as a believer during the period of fasting? To get answers to the first three questions, please read the following posts:

How to fast according to the Bible

Examples of fasting in the Bible

The present article seeks to address the third question; which is, what not to do when fasting as a Christian.

The Bible identifies at least nine things a Christian should not do during fasting. We find this information in the books of Isaiah 58:3–4, 6-7, 9–10, Matthew 6:16, and 1 Peter 3:7. This is what the scriptures say

Isaiah 58:3-4

“Why have we fasted, ‘they say,’ and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice? ‘In fact, on the day of your fast, you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. Indeed, you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. YOU WILL NOT FAST AS YOU DO THIS DAY, TO MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ON HIGH.”

Isaiah 58:6-7

“Is this not the fast I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh?’ ”

Isaiah 58:9-10

“Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ ‘If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness. If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday.’”

Matthew 6:16

“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces so that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”

1 Peter 3:7

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Let us now discuss each one of the issues identified above.

1. When fasting, a Christian should not engage in activities that give pleasure

Fasting involves abstaining from food for a day or several days in order to spend time praying and reading the Bible. These activities enable the believer to gain a deeper understanding of the things of God. In short, God becomes the center of attention for the fasting believer.

Therefore, the believer should completely disengage from pleasurable activities that may interfere with his or her concentration on matters spiritual. This means denying oneself things like fancy foods, meat, wine, going on outings, going shopping, and watching movies, among others.

A good example of abstaining from pleasant foods, meat, and wine is recorded in Daniel 10:2–3. The scripture says:

“In those days, I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

For married couples, it may imply disengaging from sexual relations during the entire fasting period. This is recorded in 1 Corinthians 7:5 as follows:

“Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

2. When fasting, a Christian should not exploit his or her workers

A Christian cannot claim to be fasting while at the same time he or she is busy exploiting his or her employees. This behavior is totally unacceptable in the eyes of God, as pointed out in the following scriptures:

Malachi 3:5

“And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers, against adulterers, against perjurers, against those who exploit wage earners, widows, and orphans, and against those who turn away an alien—because they do not fear Me, says the LORD of hosts.”

Leviticus 19:13

“You shall not cheat your neighbor, or rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.”

The same thing applies to Christians appointed to supervise others at their place of work. If such believers are to engage in fasting, God expects them to treat their subordinates fairly. This is recorded in Colossians 4:1. The scripture says:

“Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a master in heaven.”

In fact, God expects Christian employers to treat their workers well regardless of the fasting period.

3. When fasting, a Christian should not engage in strife or non-productive debates

During the period of fasting, a Christian is expected to lead a quiet and peaceful life. This means avoiding everything that leads to contention and strife. This is because the end result of contention and strife is division, which works against the call for unity in the body of Christ.

In fact, the Bible teaches that Christians should always be peaceable and gentle towards all men. This point is reinforced by the following scriptures:

Titus 3:9

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.”

Romans 12:18

“If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Philippians 4:5, that says

“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”

When a believer maintains peace and gentleness during the fasting period, it becomes very easy to connect with the Spirit of God. This helps him or her hear what God is saying regarding the issue for which he or she is fasting.

4. When fasting, a Christian should not oppress others

The Scriptures tell us that God abhors oppression of the poor, the widow, and the stranger. It is for this reason that when they cry out to God for help, He reaches out to them and delivers them from the hand of the oppressor.

For example, God delivered the children of Israel from the house of bondage in Egypt after they cried out to Him. This is recorded in Exodus 20:1–2 as follows:

“And God spoke all these words, saying: ‘I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.’”

During the period of fasting and every other time, a Christian should never oppress others because God is the redeemer of the oppressed. Failure to observe this principle sets the culprit on a collision course with God.

As a result, God shuts His ears to prayers made by such a person. In addition, his or her sacrifice of fasting becomes an exercise in futility.

5. When fasting, a Christian should not hide himself from his own flesh

This implies a refusal to help others who are in need, more so when they happen to be immediate family members. This is recorded in 1 Timothy 5:8 as follows:

“But if anyone does not provide for his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

According to this scripture, a true believer is one who takes good care of his immediate family as the Lord enables him.

This includes taking care of elderly parents, siblings, and other relatives who are in need.

Failure to do this renders the believer’s time in fasting exercise a waste of time.

6. When fasting, a Christian should not point the finger at others

This means making accusations against other people. As already stated, the period of fasting is supposed to be a solemn one, exclusively set aside for seeking God’s face.

A believer spending time in fasting and prayer should thus refrain from pointing the finger because this is considered an act of self-righteousness.

A Christian should also not judge others because the Bible says that all humanity has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23).

James 4:11–12 teaches that only God is the just judge because the Law originated with Him. This scripture says:

“Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and destroy. Who are you to judge another?”

The Apostle Paul emphasizes this matter in Romans 14:12–13 by stating:

“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or cause something to fall in our brother’s way.”

Therefore, every believer should consider the period of fasting as a time to reflect on his or her own personal relationship with God and fellow mankind. This reflection is to help him or her establish areas that need to be worked on in order to improve the said relationships.

7. When fasting, a Christian should not speak wickedness

God does not approve wickedness in any way, whether acted upon, thought about, or spoken. For this reason, the scriptures tell us that the wicked will never go unpunished (Proverbs 11:21).  The Scriptures also teach that God is angry with the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11).

We have already established that the aim of fasting is to rend our hearts in order to attract God’s attention. When our hearts get broken because of matters spiritual, God draws closer to us (Psalms 34:18).

However, if a believer says wicked things during the period of fasting, God will not be interested in his or her sacrifice until his or her speech is right.

Therefore, whenever a believer sets aside time for prayer and fasting to seek God’s face, he or she should remember Job 27:4. It says

“My lips will not speak wickedness, nor will my tongue utter deceit.”

8. A Christian should not show-off that they are fasting

In Matthew 6:16, Jesus taught his disciples that fasting is a private matter. In other words, when a person chooses to fast, he or she should do it in such a manner that no one can tell they are fasting.

According to Jesus, this is the only approach to fasting that catches the eye of God.

9. When fasting, a Christian should not dishonor his wife

In the book of 1 Peter 3:7, the Apostle points us to an issue that may cause God not to answer the prayers of a married man. That is, dishonoring his wife. This is what the scripture says

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”

Therefore, in order for a believing husband to receive answers to his prayers whenever he engages in fasting, he must be a person who honors his wife. This is because in the institution of marriage, scripture identifies the wife as the weaker vessel who should be engaged with a lot of understanding.

Conclusion

This article discussed nine things that a Christian should not do when fasting. The issues highlighted in this article are very important since they come from the Holy Scriptures. Consequently, in order to see positive results whenever you engage in fasting, you need to take these issues into consideration. Having said that, I strongly believe that there is more to learn about this topic with further Bible study. I hope that the points raised here will positively contribute to the existing body of knowledge regarding the topic of fasting. As a believer, may God answer all your petitions whenever you set aside time for prayer and fasting. Shalom.

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 “Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and hereby ask for your forgiveness;

I believe in my heart and confess with my mouth that you are the only begotten Son of the living God.

I believe that you were sent by your Father to the earth to save sinners like me.

I now accept you as my personal Lord and Savior.

Come into my heart and baptize me with The Holy Spirit.

Thank you for saving me.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,

Amen!”

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Benediction

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The Lord make His face shine upon you,

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The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

(Numbers 6:24-26)

Shalom.

Source: https://www.biblegateway.com/