More Than Just a Diet: Fasting as Spiritual Muscle Building

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to feel the Spirit guiding us in our efforts to be better disciples—whether we’re studying scriptures in a Book Club, preparing for missionary discussions, or simply trying to live more Christlike day-to-day—we all look for the next tool, the next practice, to help us draw closer to the Savior. Sometimes, that tool seems counterintuitive. We hear about physical disciplines, and while the body is a temple, the heart and spirit are where the real work happens.

I recently watched a conversation that really resonated with me, one that dove deep into the power of fasting. If you’ve ever felt the pull to draw closer to God through sacrifice, this one is for you. It reminded me that this isn't about *punishing* ourselves, but about *purifying* our focus.

What struck me most was the distinction made between fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. We know that prayer tends to right our relationship with God, and almsgiving rightens our relationship with our neighbors. But fasting, as the speakers explained, is uniquely designed to right our relationship with *ourselves*—our own desires, our own habits, and our own will.

The Inner Work: Mastering the Self

It’s so easy, when we read about fasting, to immediately think about what we *can't* eat. And yes, the physical aspect is part of it. But the core message, the one that should echo in every disciple’s heart, is that fasting is a spiritual exercise in self-mastery. It’s about learning to quiet those base desires—the cravings, the habits, the little things that pull us away from the Spirit.

“When you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

This scripture is a perfect reminder for us all, whether we are in the field, in our homes, or even just studying in our living rooms. The true reward comes when the effort is made for the Father, unseen by the world. It’s not for the accolades of the congregation, or the compliments from a district leader; it’s for the Father who sees what is done in secret.

More Than Bread Alone

The speakers brought up the beautiful reminder from Matthew 4:4: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” This is the ultimate takeaway for us as Latter-day Saints. While physical discipline can build spiritual muscle, the *sustenance*—the thing that keeps the spirit fed—is the Word of God.

This principle applies to everything we do in our discipleship. When we feel tempted to rely on our own willpower, or our own routines, we need to anchor ourselves back to the living source. If you’ve been struggling with a specific temptation, or if you are praying for a friend who is wrestling with a sin, consider what it means to fast *for* them, or *for* a principle, rather than just for your own appetite.

A Little Challenge for Our Rogue Disciples

If you feel the Spirit prompting you toward this, I encourage you to try something small. Don't feel the need to undertake a massive fast. Instead, try this week to fast from one form of distraction—maybe it’s social media scrolling before you study, or perhaps it's a specific type of entertainment. And pair that restriction with focused, sincere prayer. See how that quiet space allows the Spirit to speak more clearly.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s use these principles to deepen our covenants and strengthen our relationship with the Lord.

For those who want to dive deeper into the mechanics of scripture study, I highly recommend checking out the HolyPlaces Book Club discussions. If you’re feeling the need to talk through the *how* of applying these principles, don't forget to chat with Davee—he’s ready to walk you through some tough questions as your AI Investigator!