Focusing on God, Not the Fast

So This happened earlier this week, and I thought about putting it this blog, but i was on the fence, but with the sermon that was preached today I felt it was really important to share this with you guys. 

Earlier in the week Caleb stopped by my office to talk, he was having some tough times staying on his fast, and it was really weighing on him. He also mentioned that he was having a tough time not filling up his new free time with other useless pursuits, instead of focusing on God. 

I could understand exactly what he was going through, I myself have been having a really tough time with that. I would give up playing games, or watching tv, only to read a frivolous book that was fun to read, but not doing anything with my relationship with God. 

We talked about it and came up with this: Whenever I would be tempted to do something frivolous, or Caleb would be tempted to break his fast, we would let ourselves do it, with no condemnation or judging. However, FIRST we would have to spend some time with the Lord, praying and reading the bible. Once we had spent time with God, we could break fast, in one way or another. 

I feel like this is acceptable, especially thinking about today's sermon Dan Byrd gave us. For those of you not there or have forgotten, Dan was reading in Isaiah 58:1-13. In that section Isaiah condemned the people of God, for they were fasting and doing everything they thought they needed to do according to the letter of the law, but their hearts were in the wrong place. They were doing it for their own glory, or to coerce God into giving them something they desired. God returned to them saying "Behold,  you fast for contention and strife and to strike with a wicked fist. you do not fast like you do today to make your  voice heard on high." 

He then goes on to talk about what a Godly fast is, and it details out living a christian, charitable, life, walking in Jesus' shoes. I think we should all take a step back for a moment and remember to stop thinking so hard about the fast, and whether or not we're doing it 'right.' Instead, we should make sure the purpose of the fast - To bring ourselves closer to God in our daily lives- is really the center of attention. After that, whether or not you adhere to every rule and timeline set in place for your fast doesn't really matter. 

Now, I do want to say something else; I dont think this means that you should use prayer and  bible reading as an excuse to break your fast. Don't be like "Oh i really want to watch the latest Bachelor... I think I'll just read a quick chapter of the bible and say "Our Father" and then get to it!" I'm hoping for myself and Caleb, that when we decide to spend time in the word and prayer, our desire to break our fast leaves us, and we can continue onward. It's just that if you're going to break your fast ANYWAY. Spend some time with the Lord first. 

That's all. Feel free to call be a heretic if you feel different. Those are my thoughts about it. 

Kev