Sunday morning we talked about two keys to thriving as disciples of Jesus.
We saw that thriving disciples do what Jesus taught.
And that thriving disciples desire what Jesus offered.
In Matthew 6:16-18 Jesus contrasted his way with the shallow and fleeting spirituality of the hypocrites – the mask-wearers and pretenders.
They prayed, gave and fasted to be seen by men.
Jesus did not find fault with the desire to be seen. And he didn’t correct the desire for rewards.
In fact, he appealed to our desire for gain.
The human problem isn’t desire, it is misplaced desire.
Jesus invites us to turn our natural desire towards our Father in heaven. And to look to the rewards that He offers as our gain.
These two things – doing what Jesus said and desiring what he offered – can set the soul on fire.
For many throughout the history of the church, fasting is one of the most helpful practices for seeking God and his rewards and kindling the fires of faith.
If you’re interested in learning more and giving it a try, you might read this helpful guide from Dr. Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade for Christ (CRU).
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown