In Defense of Some Abstinence

Abstaining from something does not have to mean that you view that thing negatively. Abstinence can actually be a means of affirming its goodness. Put another way, practicing self-denial does not necessarily mean you are “in denial”!

I am fully convinced that sex is a great gift from God. I have tried to make this clear in my writing. (See the posts on March, 12, 13, and 14, 2014, http://veitfarm.blogspot.com/2014_03_01_archive.html)

Committing to 90 days of sexual abstinence was motivated by my need to better grasp that goodness. Some sinful habits had become ingrained in my body and brain—not to mention my heart!—and were ruining what God created very good. It hasn't been easy, but it's been good.

Christian asceticism can be taken to ungodly extremes. God is not against pleasure; he invented it! But I think our permissive and hedonistic culture causes us to forget or ignore asceticism’s proper place. Patience and self-control are good fruit of the Holy Spirit. God made us and knows how our flesh and body works. I have never appreciated food more than when ending a period of fasting. I fast at times not because food is bad, but because I am forgetful and need to be reminded how good it really is.

Scripture and Christian tradition wisely encourage abstinence because it is one of the best tools to bring focus to our hearts. The main point isn’t the substance or behavior we abstain from, but rather the way stopping for a while uncovers heart issues we may not otherwise see.