Scripture

“When you fast, don’t make it obvious as the hypocrites do, for they like to look miserable and dishevelled so people will admire them for their fasting.”

Observation

We must not make it obvious when we fast. We do not fast for the accolades of men, but to draw closer to the Father.

We must not store up treasures for ourselves, where we might lose them anyway. Instead we should store up treasures in heaven which do not lose their value.

Our eyes are like lamps for the body. We must make sure that our eyes are good so that we walk in God’s light.

Application

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent when many christians undertake some kind of partial fasting as a preparation for Easter.

Jesus says that whenever we fast, for whatever reason, we should not make a big deal of it. Some people have a way of drawing attention to their own spiritual practices. They may not make their appearance look miserable as a sign of their fasting, but they manage to let you know how spiritual they are.

Jesus says that these people have already received their reward in the form of the approval of others. If we want to seek God in the various spiritual disciplines and practices, we must do so from a place of humility and hiddenness.

When we let people know about our fasting or prayer practices, we run the risk of becoming proud of our achievements for God and so they become counter-productive.

Prayer

Lord, please teach me how to fast and pray in such a way that I seek your presence. Protect me from every temptation to pride. Amen.