Irresistible

fasting. have you ever heard of fasting? do you know what fasting is?

fasting, for most 'contemporary' Christians, these days, is about denying yourself something (normally food) for a set period of time, in hopes of hearing God speak to you or growing in your relationship with Him.
in Isaiah, God describes fasting. he's talking to those "righteous" people who were using fasting and prayer and good works as a way to gain popularity and have an image that people were impressed with. He says that we have skewed the definition of fasting. that it shouldn't be about putting on a fake image of godliness. it should be about awareness of injustice. you should fast because you realize that there are so many out there without food and life-giving necessities. and your fast should not be simply denying yourself food, but sacrificing your food and giving it to those who have none.
Shane Claiborne says these words in his book, The Irresistible Revolution: As we consider what it means to be "born again," as the evangelical jargon goes, we must ask what it means to b e born again into a family in which our brothers and sisters are starving to death.

today, i'm just asking you to think about this. maybe you've never thought about fasting, or even heard of it before. or maybe you have done it...because you thought you could gain something, get closer to God, look good in front of your youth group...whatever the case...i want you to think for a moment. think about all the stuff you have. all the unnecessary stuff that clutters your room. all the things you just received for Christmas--that you know you are never going to use. all the clothes that fill your closet...and maybe your floor...and your furniture...and everything...
think about that stuff. and think about how you probably weren't satisfied on Christmas day, because you didn't get the color iPod you wanted, or the correct pair of Converse. and remember, okay? remember those with nothing. those who wake up each morning, and take inventory of their possessions which fill a small shopping bag. those who don't have a shower to clean themselves in each night...or water to drink whenever they please.
remember them, and remember that God calls us to sacrifice. to fast. to help. because He's blessed us with so much...but not for our own gain...for what is it, if we gain the world, but lose our souls?