Many of you who are a regular part of the “Coffee with the Lord” group know of my commitment to the value of spiritual disciplines (Bible reading, reflection-meditation, prayer, worship, thanksgiving, FASTING, etc.). These are essential elements in a life of spiritual health and vitality.
Having said that, I think it is a terrible mistake for a Christian to focus on spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, worship , AND FASTING and neglect issues of practical Christianity like “social justice” and compassionate concern for the essential needs of others!! In fact I just read about that in the Bible this morning…
Isaiah 58:3–9 ESV)
“’Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’
“Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
“Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’”
So, here’s the deal for me… I want to be faithful in the spiritual disciplines the sustain my personal spiritual life, but I never want to ignore the practical expression of my faith in God by neglecting issues of “social justice” and “compassion ministries”! I want a full heart for God to play itself out in a generous and loving life… Don’t you?!
Coffee With The Lord 