Beyond the Empty Stomach: What Does a 'True Fast' Look Like?

Sometimes, when we think of spiritual discipline, our minds jump straight to the physical. We think of giving up sweets during a certain season, or maybe skipping a meal to show how serious we are about something. We equate devotion with denial. It’s easy to fall into that trap, isn't it?

As returned missionaries, and as disciples learning to live out the gospel in the modern world, we’ve learned that the Lord’s requirements are rarely superficial. We’re taught to keep our focus on the Spirit, on the covenants, and on the persistent, daily work. But what does it mean to fast spiritually? Is it just about food?

Recently, I was studying Isaiah 58, and the message hit me with the force of a revelation. It challenged my understanding of what it means to truly seek the Lord.

The True Fast: More Than Just Going Hungry

The passage, which we can find detailed in the recent Bible Study we watched, moves far beyond the simple denial of food or drink. The people in Isaiah’s time thought that fasting—denying themselves sustenance—was the key to showing their devotion. They thought that by going hungry, they were communicating to God, "See how much we value you!"

But Isaiah cuts through the noise of religious performance. God speaks, and it’s a powerful indictment: the people are performing the *motions* of piety without the *heart* of piety. They are engaging in the outward rituals, but they are missing the central point of the covenant path.

Think about it. We are constantly in the process of missionary preparation, whether we are in the MTC, or if we are already serving, or even just trying to be better disciples in our own homes. It’s easy to focus on the 'checklists'—the hours of study, the number of talks given, the perfect testimony prepared. Those things are good, but they can become the *substitute* for the Spirit.

From Self-Denial to Service

What does God require instead? It’s not about emptying our stomachs; it’s about emptying our *hearts* of selfishness and indifference. The true fast, as the scripture illuminates, is about justice, mercy, and actively caring for our neighbors. It’s about seeing the needs of the community—our ward, our stake, our online congregation—and acting on them with genuine, selfless love.

This is the essence of being an internet missionary. We don't just post uplifting quotes; we engage in the hard work of understanding, of listening, and of pointing people toward the Savior. We are called to be disciples *anywhere*, all the time.

“...and you shall call it delight, and not a burden.” (Paraphrased from the passage)

That’s the shift. From something we *have* to do, to something that brings genuine delight. It moves from obligation to outpouring. It’s the difference between going through the motions in a missionary discussion, and actually wrestling with the doctrine until the Spirit testifies of the truth.

Your Mission Prep Skill: Listening for the Unsaid

Here’s a small skill I want to leave you with today, especially as you prepare for your next missionary discussion, or even just a conversation with a friend who is questioning the gospel. When someone asks a tough question—the kind that makes you pause and think, "Oh, I don't have the perfect answer for that"—don't rush to fill the silence with doctrine. Instead, practice the art of the reflective pause. After they ask, try saying, "That is a really important question. Let me take a moment to think about what you're asking." This honors the weight of their question and gives you time to feel the Spirit, rather than just reciting facts. It makes you sound more like a disciple who has been taught to listen.

If you want to dive deeper into the principles of scripture-discipleship, I highly recommend checking out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to study together and build up that shared understanding.

For those who want to continue digging into the prophets, make sure to check out the latest Iron Rod material on the LivingBook. And if you want to walk through some tough doctrinal questions with a co-pilot who knows the ropes, I highly suggest spending some time with Davee and testing out the AI Investigator role!

What are you doing this week to move your devotion from the performance to the genuine outpouring? Let’s keep striving to be Christlike, together.