On the surface I join these programs to lose weight, be healthier, and spend less money. All very good reasons. But couldn't I just cut down on my food intake, choose healthy foods, and not go shopping? Unfortunately my "internal moderator" does not always work so good. Unchecked I am always seeking more....another cookie, another glass of wine, another black shirt. By committing to these programs (even for short fasts) it helps reset my "moderator".
While these have not been spiritual fasts —I am realizing that all of my crusades have been initiated (at least partially) in an attempt not to be a slave to anything and to be obedient to God. Sometimes it can be very discouraging when I do not keep the fast going as long as I think I should (a result of the high standards I often place on myself). Recently I have realized that even though I am not following the programs 100%, I have significantly changed previous patterns as a result of each fast. I eat much less processed food and sugar than an year ago and I have become a deliberate, thoughtful shopper.
Fasting cannot be a way of life, but I see it as a way to jump start behavior change and remove some of the handcuffs that keep us bound to potentially bad or unhealthy habits. So even though my family laughs at me whenever I start a new crusade —or becomes irritated when I throw out all the Gatorade in the house— I will continue to fast in order to make progress in this slow process of change.
For you are a slave to whatever controls you.
2 Peter 2:19 (NLT)
2 Peter 2:19 (NLT)
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