In today's self-indulgent world we need to renew our commitment to the law of the fast.
Few principles build strength of character better than does fasting.The principle of fasting likely began in the days of Adam. Its ancient origin was noted by the late President Joseph Fielding Smith when he said:
"Fasting we may well assume is a religious custom that has come down from the beginning of time, and always associated with prayer. There are numerous customs and practices that were given anciently about which the knowledge became so common that their origin has been lost in antiquity; therefore we cannot give time or place where the first commandment on fasting was given." (See Answers to Gospel Questions 1:88.)
Because fasting is a principle of such long standing, and because the Lord continues to call upon His people to fast and pray, it is vital that this principle be properly observed in the Church today. Unfortunately, there are many who tend to overlook it or dismiss it as an "optional" practice.
And for many it is, indeed, a difficult thing to observe. But when properly understood and practiced, it is a profound principle with great promise.
The late Elder Melvin J. Ballard helped us better understand one reason why we should fast when he said:
"I would like to suggest that there isn't anything that this present generation needs so much as the power of self-control. Appetite is stronger than will. Men's passions dominate their lives. If there is one thing that we need to recover, it is the power of self-control over the physical body; to deny it good food that would not be injurious, for two meals, is to obtain a mastery over self, and the greatest battle any of us shall ever fight is with self.
"I am charged to take possession of this house, this mortal tabernacle, and it is to be my servant. I am not to abuse it but to keep it vigorous, clean, healthy, and strong. This exercise of controlling it once a month, that it must fast, is a healthy exercise of spiritual control over the material. If I can do this with regard to food, when this body craves something that is positively hurtful, then I have obtained power to say: `You cannot have it.' Thus, spiritual control over the body in all its activities may be secured, beginning with control over the appetite." (See Melvin J. Ballard, Crusader for Righteousness, pp. 122-23.)
Such self-mastery is one blessing obtained through fasting, but there are many more. We place ourselves in a position to draw nearer to God. We are more sensitive to the whisperings of the Spirit. We are better able to obtain answers to our prayers. We cleanse our bodies. We also gain power to cope with the wiles of the adversary whose onslaught of evil seems to be overwhelming us. We enhance our powers of discernment to choose right over wrong.
Fasting normally means abstaining from food, drink and bodily gratifications for 24 hours. Coupled with fasting is a contribution to the fast offering funds of the Church of the value of those meals and much more when it is possible to do so.
However, wisdom and prudence should be observed, just as the late President Joseph F. Smith has counseled:
"But let it be remembered that the observance of the Fast Day by abstaining twenty-four hours from food and drink is not an absolute rule, it is no iron-clad law to us, but is left with the people as a matter of conscience, to exercise wisdom and discretion. Many are subject to weakness, others are delicate in health, and others have nursing babies; of such it should not be required to fast. Neither should parents compel their little children to fast. I have known children to cry for something to eat on fast day. In such cases, going without food will do them no good. Instead, they dread the day to come, and in place of hailing it, dislike it; while the compulsion engenders a spirit of rebellion in them, rather than a love for the Lord and their fellows." (See Observance of Fast Day, Improvement Era, Dec. 1902, pp. 148-49.)
Prudently observed, and purposefully carried out, fasting is a powerful means of mastering self, drawing down the blessings of heaven, and conquering the forces of evil.
With such blessings and more, God will reward the faithful.