SCRIPTURE - Matthew 6:16-18
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
OBSERVATION
In Jesus' day, many people wanted others to see how religious they were. They demonstrated their spiritual disciplines very publicly, praying loudly on street corners, or looking visibly miserable and weak as they fasted from food, all to show to others how "holy" they were.Â
Jesus doesn't care for that. In fact, Jesus tells people to make an effort to hide that they are fasting. God, the one you are doing this for, is the only one who needs to know about it, and He sees you and your effort.
APPLICATION
Wait, so we are supposed to keep our fast a secret? If so, why are we talking about it together all the time? Many fasts in the Bible were corporately done with others for the sake of strengthening the community. Here's the real question Jesus is poking at: what's your motivation for the fast? Is any part of you seeking admiration from others because of it?
Maybe we shouldn't post about how challenging this fast is on social media. Perhaps we shouldn't complain to our co-workers about all the bland food we've been eating. Save those conversations for those doing this with you. Let's be more concerned with why we are fasting: to focus on God instead of the things we're giving up during this time.
PRAYER
Today, be honest with yourself about whether there's any impure motive in your heart for fasting. The reality is, if you aren't doing this for the right reason, then you won't get everything God has for you from it. Â
"God, show me if there's any pride, ambition, or self-centeredness in my heart as I continue this fast. Keep my heart grounded in wanting to honor you, focus on you, and believe in the work you want to do in me through this. In Jesus' name, amen."
If you haven't signed up yet to receive our daily devotional, you can text 21DAYS to (469) 817-9977.