- Contemporary Issues to Consider (NAZRITE FAST)research Lou Engle The call nazrite
In the 21st Century, there are several additional issues that could be considered as a form of sacrifice, abstinence, or “fasting” before God. The following are not abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. But they are contemporary issues of today’s society that could be considered as a form of fasting for a period of time to seek God’s face.
- Entertainment – Movies, videos, television, radio, video games, secular dancing, etc. (Photo courtesy: AP/Paul Sakuma)
- Athletic Events – Professional sports, athletic events, other forms of recreation, etc.
- Reading Material – Magazines, books, newspapers, other news media, even Christian fiction.
- Computers – Internet activity, E-mail, games, etc.
- Speech – Phone calls, amount of talking, limiting topics of conversation, a special vow of silence, etc.
- Dress – Avoiding certain types and styles of clothing, or the wearing of specific types and styles of clothing, etc.
- Foods and Drinks – Partial fasting – limiting intake of specific foods or drinks.
- Sleep – Early morning prayer, all night prayer vigils, prayer watches at various hours, etc.
- Social Functions – Limiting outside engagements, conferences, seminars and even normal church activities for short specific periods; times of purposeful isolation.
- Work Schedule – Taking hours or days off from secular work or even ministry engagements to seek God’s face, etc.
Scripture also tells us to move out of our comfort zones and stretch our hands to those who don’t have whatever basic needs we have. We share whatever resources we have with them and with extended family members that may be underprivileged.
Many forget that charity is part of our Christian pillars and has its level of blessings or curses, depending on how we carry ourselves. See Isaiah 58:6-9 outlined below for the fast that God desires. Without engaging in most of these areas, fasting only becomes a form of dieting or hunger strike.
