I strongly believe that we Christians should fast thrice a week, not for to be righteous, since (as you point out) this can’t be quantified, but to subordinate flesh to spirit. I also think that Christians should give generously -- even 100%, like in Acts 4, where Barnabas sold a plot and brought all the money to the apostles.
Generosity, yes. Yet Barnabas sold one field. Others sold properties, too. But be careful. If we give 100%, then we own nothing. Do you own nothing? (If so, you have nothing more to give.)
While that is true for all true disciples in one sense (Luke 14:33), private property is not at odds with biblical faith. This is not socialism or communism! In Christianity we give freely (Matthew 10:8). It’s not forced, as in those atheistic systems.
We can fast all we want. I see nothing special in the number three. You may have a strong conviction, born of your own experience. But we are all different. Why not fast four times a week? (Also, are you sure the Christians didn’t take an evening meal on fast days, as Muslims do during Ramadan? I am not sure how to prove this one way or the other. Perhaps one of my readers will help me understand this better.)
20 If you died with the Messiah to the elemental forces of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations: 21 “Don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch”? 22 All these regulations refer to what is destroyed by being used up; they are commands and doctrines of men. 23 Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.
As Paul points out in Col 2:20-23, various regulations (like strict fasting) may have an appearance of wisdom, but they do not necessarily mortify the flesh.
