| Matthew 6:16-18 - Doin' It All Wrong
“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
(Matthew 6:16-18 NIV)
by Chris
This scripture is always funny to me.
Only because whenever I read it I can actually visualize a person doing the exact thing the scripture instructs us not to do while fasting.
This is what the Pharisees did. When they fasted they went out of their way to publicly promote their “holy endeavors”. They tried to use outwards acts to define their inner spirituality.
Do NOT promote your fast publicly.
The purpose of your fast is not to please men, but to please the Father. You can’t do both. You shouldn't want to do both.
You will either brag on earth and get your reward from men. Or keep your mouth shut and get your reward from the Father.
This one is a no brainer to me. However, that doesn’t mean you won't’ still have to fight the urge to announce your great sacrifice to people around you.
The fact is that it does make you appear holy. When people hear your fasting it sparks curiosity and intrigue.
However, this is self serving. It draws people to us...not Christ. Fasting is a personal and private decision. Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days when he fasted.
Nobody saw him and the only reason we know about it is because it was written in the books.
If you want people to notice on the outside your walk with Christ, then fast in private and get filled with the Holy Spirit.
The amount of Christ you carry on the inside will always shine through on the outside.
NOTE: We are approaching the end of the week and I would like as many of you as possible to join in on our Mens’ Devotional Fast. Remember this fast is from next Monday to Friday. You pick what you will fast from and for how long.
I will be sending out a worksheet tomorrow to help guide you through the process over the weekend.
In the meantime, can you send me an email reply to let me know you’re on board? It can be as simple as just typing “Yes”.
Lets pray...
“Father we pray for humility today. We need an extra dose every day. Help us to not get built up by the accolades and praises of man. Let our heart not seek satisfaction from the lips of man. But let our heart and minds be focused on pleasing you. Knowing that man may not see all our works but you do. Even more you see our hearts Lord. Create in us a clean heart that we may forever chase after a deeper relationship and experience in you. In Jesus name we pray...Amen”
| 