Spiritually Minded 08

We saw last week that becoming spiritually-minded won’t happen automatically. It will require some effort on our part. The first thing we need to do is keep a close watch on our minds. This week, we will look at a second way that God has given us to ensure that His Spirit and our spirit are in control of our thoughts, attitudes, emotions, motivations & imagination.

BEING SPIRITUALLY-MINDED

The second thing we can do to remain spiritually-minded is to Pray & Fast. Remember we said earlier that EVERY DECISION WE MAKE, EVERY ACTION WE TAKE, EVERY THOUGHT WE THINK, IS INFLUENCED BY EITHER THE SPIRIT OR THE FLESH.

It’s not always wrong to be influenced by the flesh. I feel cold, so I put on a jacket. I feel thirsty, so I drink a glass of water. But the problem comes in when our old nature uses the weakness of our flesh to satisfy its sinful desires.

So, when we fast, we are exercising control over the flesh and its influence over our mind. Thereby clearing the way for the influence of the Spirit. Then in prayer, we are aligning our minds with God’s Spirit. Therefore, prayer completes fasting. We can pray without fasting, but we should never fast without praying.

In Matthew 6:17-18 Jesus said, "But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Jesus is speaking to his disciples. He doesn't say "if" but "WHEN" you fast, so Jesus expected his disciples to fast. Thus, fasting is not confined to the Old Testament, since Jesus endorses its practice in the New Testament.

Fasting changes us, NOT God. We mustn't think we can twist God's arm by fasting. Fasting must be done for the right motive and with right attitude. Don't fast for the sake of fasting – this is just a crash diet. Don't allow it to become ritual or tradition with no meaning. Fasting is a discipline, and a part of our spiritual walk. Test your heart before God for the reason and time to fast.

Fasting can be also done in obedience to a call to fast by a spiritual authority in the church. Pastors or other authority figures may call a fast for any one of a number of reasons. Whatever the reason, it is important for us to participate unless there is a medical reason that prevents you from fasting.

If you’ve never fasted before, don't be intimidated by fasting or calls to fast. Individually, as you feel the need or are led by God, try a day of prayer and fasting. Before you begin your fast know how long you intend to fast; know what type of fast you are going on; and be sure to test your attitude before God. Then go for it!