Discipline. Fasting can help develop discipline. When we’re hungry the “oogies” within us come to the surface more easily. When this happens this is an opportunity to transcend it. By fasting, it’s a practice it not compromising your kindness, patience, or other values just because you’re hungry. Being ‘hangry’ is not cute or desirable. This is actually what children do. They get grumpy when they’re hungry. There are more mature options.
Spiritual development. The benefits reaped from fasting and developing discipline is a spiritual practice. If you withstand hunger and move past it, you can take on harder spiritual challenges. As an extreme example, you’ll be able to not comprise compassion and understanding if someone steals something from you or insults you. So fasting is a way of developing this self-control/spiritual discipline muscle. Life can be tough. And living a spiritual life can be even tougher. Using fasting as a method to create spiritual resilience is excellent and free.
Effects on the mind. Fasting was also used because by not eating the mind had less things to be distracted by. It’s our senses and our craving to experience that pulls the mind away from God. You’ll notice that some foods have a stronger ability to pull the mind away. These are foods like meat, sweets, alcohol, etc. That’s why these foods were not a part of a sage’s diet. Also, not eating can likely help in inducing spiritual ecstasies/experiences.
An offering. Fasting can be a way of showing God you mean business about developing a relationship with him. You may say to God, “Ok, Lord, I mean business. I’m ready to be with you and surrender to you. I’m ready to do your will.” He says, “Ok, that’s good. Show me.” So fasting is one of those ways you can show him. You fast of him, through him, and for him.” You give up the food, hunger, and desire to the Lord — this is a great gift. You do it unconditionally. You do it with no desire or expectation of reward or progress. You do it purely out of love and service to God — it’s a gesture of love.
Finally, when you fast, don’t broadcast it. Jesus said don’t make a show of your fasting. Go about your day normally with good spirits. Don’t bring attention to yourself like, “Oh, poor me. I’m struggling today because I’m fasting for the Lord.” At that point you’re only fasting for your own ego.
So fasting is not outdated. It’s a great way to grow spiritually for free. Right now. Good luck! :)
