How To Fast Physically and Digitally for the Best Christian Walk
The Christian Man's Guide to Spiritual Strength
Our culture has convinced men to ignore their physical, mental, and spiritual health. We waste ourselves on endless scrolling, constant snacking, and digital distractions that keep us weak and ineffective.
But God calls us to be strong and ready for His service. Your body, mind, and spirit are tools that should be sharpened and maintained for Kingdom work.
The Modern Challenge: Digital Distractions and Physical Weakness
I used to start every day reaching for my phone, scrolling through social media before my feet hit the floor. My mind was scattered, my body was soft, and my spirit was dull. Then God showed me the power of discipline through fasting.
Since 2017, I've practiced daily intermittent fasting for 16-20 hours. This isn't just about physical health – it's a daily reminder that I can deny my flesh and strengthen my spirit. When I feel hunger, it reminds me to pray. When my body wants to give in, my spirit grows stronger by resisting.
Breaking Free from the Dopamine Trap
I've taken what some people may see as drastic measures to protect my mind from the constant dopamine drip of the modern internet. I would reach for my phone at instance of boredom to fill my mind with dopamine producing novelty. This not only wasted my time while using the apps but also caused me to lose all motivation to do what really matters. Taking away the dopamine feeds allowed my mind to be rewarded by the harder things in life. Things like writing, reading, and doing my best work while on the job.
Three Essential Actions for Spiritual Strength
1. Physical Discipline Through Fasting
"But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:27). Begin with a 16-hour fast. Stop eating after dinner and don't eat again until lunch the next day.
Let your hunger remind you to pray and study God's Word. This will tame your flesh and let you operate in a more spirit driven way.
2. Mental Mastery Through Digital Discipline
"Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship" (Romans 12:1). Your mind is part of that living sacrifice. Delete your most distracting apps.
Put your phone in grayscale mode. Set specific times for checking messages instead of being constantly available. Most men won't take these radical steps, but those who do find themselves capable of achievements they never thought possible.
3. Spiritual Strengthening Through Intentional Practice
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). Use the mental clarity from fasting and reduced distractions to deepen your prayer life.
When you feel the urge to check your phone or to eat during a fast, pray instead. Let every act of discipline become an act of worship. This will take the perceived fog away from your walk with God.
Practical Steps to Begin Your Journey
To break free from digital bondage and strengthen your spiritual walk, start with these practical steps:
Set your phone to Do Not Disturb (allow only family calls/messages)
Remove your most distracting apps completely from your device
Enable grayscale mode on your phone to reduce its psychological pull
Use your newfound clarity and time for prayer and Bible study
The Impact on Your Spiritual Life
When you combine physical fasting with digital discipline, you create space for God to work in your life. The physical discipline of fasting trains your body to submit to your spirit.
The digital discipline frees your mind from constant distraction, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your relationship with God and your mission in His kingdom.
Don't waste another day letting your tools rust. Your body is a temple, your mind is a battlefield, and your spirit is meant to be strong in the Lord. Start sharpening yourself today.
Ready to break free from distractions and strengthen your walk with God?
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