When we so need a different kind of leader might this help transform economic gurus and political leaders? We certainly require people with a higher moral and ethical standing.
Is this note not a most profound spiritual note in the early days of 2013, but not only the early days?
Having been reading about prayer and fasting, these would probably be most strange concepts to many of our leaders but they are virtually foundation stones for sound solid leadership no matter where we serve and lead.
Jesus speaks to potential leaders regarding these topics as He was giving them fundamental teaching and initial training in the Sermon on the Mount.
There the note of sacrifice, because we can become so preoccupied with ourselves and with our own interests.
The times when we are really serious before God can be few and far between. We can become so busy.
Our own hopes and fears and ambitions as leaders can dominate our thinking so much, and there comes a time when we have to place God right at the very centre of our lives in a new way, and in a sacrificial way.
We move certain things to the side so that we can be with God in a new or deeper way.
The leaders of that day had made it a matter of ritual and show, but Jesus does not throw it out because of that. He teaches how it should be among His disciples.
Jesus encourages His disciples to do it in secret, as if it was a secret sacrificial devotion to God, or a secret discipline for spiritual reasons.
Nowhere is it commanded, but it is assumed, apart from the Day of Atonement, which continues right into the book of Acts. Paul refers to this important day.
To command fasting would be legalistic, and nor did Jesus say "if" which would make it optional.
Fasting can be a way to reinforce prayer. It can be a sign of repentance and humility, as in Psalm 35 verse 13. People who pray with fasting are indicating to God that they are really in earnest.
Fasting can be a way of seeking guidance, and all leaders need guidance and counsel at times, which goes beyond what man can offer and suggest.
Moses fasted before receiving the Ten Commandments, and in Acts Chapters 13 and 14: 23 fasting appears to have been a routine part of seeking God's guidance with regard to appointing elders. It was taught and practised.
When the leaders of the church fasted the Holy Spirit spoke and a wave of missionary outreach was birthed.
Fasting is a form of self discipline. Paul uses the analogy of the athlete training for a race.
Fasting helps to lessen the hold of material things upon us, and it can preserve us from becoming slaves to habits and it can help us learn and exercise self-control.
One of the reasons for fasting may be to share what we have with the undernourished.
We are told that fasting detoxifies the system, cleansing, healing, and resting vital organs, such as the kidneys and the liver. It is like giving the body a good spring clean. We voluntarily abstain from food for spiritual purposes and reasons.
I came across the briefest practical advice from someone who did fast. Do it firstly for 24 hours, and take water every 4 hours. Do not do it if there might be medical complications. Do it secretly. Use a tooth brush - and pray!
Prayer accompanied by fasting could transform leadership in every area of life and enable bad laws to be reversed comparatively quickly.
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