Should the child of God today fast? Certainly, a valid question for us to ask, given that we do read about God's people in Old Testament times fasting, and even the occasional reference to it in the New Testament. Ought we be fasting today also?

The word fast simply refers to an abstinence. Most commonly it is with regard to food, but also can involve the abstinence of other pleasures of this life (ie. 1 Cor 7:5). Fasting, as a religious practice is intended to move our focus from the passing things of this world to the more weightier things – the things of God.

Though a focus on spiritual things is the general reason for fasting, there are some specific causes which might warrant a fast. In the Old Testament record, we see people fasting during times of mourning (2 Samuel 1:12). When God's people were at war, we see them fasting before the Lord at times (Judges 20:26). It was common for fasting to accompany the acknowledgement and repentance of sin (1 Samuel 7:6). Again, when God's people would approach Him in fervent petition, fasting might be employed (Ezra 8:21-22).

Most Bible references to fasting are found in the Old Testament, though the practice certainly was used in New Testament times. Jesus was asked why His disciples didn't fast as the Pharisees or John's disciples did (Matthew 9:14-15; Mark 2:18-19; Luke 5:33-35). Jesus plainly said there would be a time for His disciples to fast, but not while the bridegroom was with them.

The Lord supplied instruction regarding our disposition in fasting. The Jewish leaders would disfigure their faces, so as to let it be know that they were fasting. They would boast in their fasting (Luke 18:12). Jesus instructed that we not do so. But that we not let it be known (Matthew 6:16-18). Such devoted service before the Lord should be for the Lord's eyes, not the masses.

Fasting was certainly part of the life of the Christians in the first century, perhaps in part due to the influence of it's use in Judaism, but nonetheless, it was employed. Peter was fasting and praying when the men from Cornelius came (Acts 10:30). When preparation was made for missions (Acts 13:2-3), or when appointments were made (Acts 14:23), prayer with fasting accompanied these. The apostle Paul was "...in fastings often..." (2 Corinthians 6:5; 11:27).

There is no command for the child of God to fast. It is a voluntary task, not a legislated duty. Whether we do or not is entirely up to us. Are there benefits? Sure. Any time we do something which will channel our focus on things spiritual, good will come. Must we fast to be spiritual people? Nothing in the Bible indicates that to be the case. However, in times of mourning, repentance, petition or distress, prayer with fasting may well be the best course to take.

Click here for this week's Answering The Atheist
When Jesus came walking upon the water to the disciples, and they received Him into the boat, were they immediately at land (John 6:21), or did they still have to cross over to the land (Matthew 14:32-34; Mark 6:51)? Is there a contradiction?