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The intention of these kingdom fasts is to build solidarity among those who are fasting as they remind their bodies (flesh) that their spirits are in charge – and that both body and spirit are to be under the Lordship of Jesus. The hunger or difficulty of going without a good thing serves us to long for the most rewarding and best of all things and all persons – Jesus Himself.

As much as people say they don’t care what they look like, I don’t believe it. Our image is about a lot more than outward appearance. It’s about how we portray ourselves to the people around us. What do we do to gain the attention and approval of others?

It may come as a surprise, but the way we appear to the world often has a lot to do with what we value about ourselves. When that is taken away, it can be painful process of readjustment.

Before I came to the field, I had a good and important job. I dressed up every day in nice clothes, styled my hair and put on my nametag with an important title on it. I negotiated, educated, managed and disciplined. People listened when I spoke up. I had a role to play and I played it well.

I have never considered myself to be a vain person. I like to look nice, but if I run to the corner store without make-up on it certainly doesn’t cause me any distress.

However, when I left my old life behind to come to Central Eurasia, I realized that my “image” did matter a lot to me.

There is something about arriving in a new country, attempting (and failing) to speak a new language, learning a new culture, having new co-workers and doing something totally different that brings out all your awkwardness. I thought I had polished up those areas for good. I was wrong.

Turn Your Gaze

Our Kingdom Fast this month is vanity, but that could look different for everyone of us. Maybe it means a smaller wardrobe or shortened getting ready time in the morning. Maybe it means making more of an effort in dressing in a way that is appropriate for the people you encounter in your daily life. Maybe it means talking about yourself and your accomplishments less and turning your thoughts to God and those around you.

This month’s fast is not just about wearing one pair of clothes for a month or throwing your make-up out the window (although feel free to do either of those things if you feel so inclined). It is about taking the focus off of us, and instead pointing to Jesus.

We can spend a lot of time and energy trying to make ourselves look good.

But that’s not what we’re here for.

Not here in Central Eurasia. Not here in this world.

We are here to point to Someone much greater.

Take your eyes off yourself this month, and focus on making Jesus famous.

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