Scripture

“When you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and dishevelled so that people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.”

Observation

Jesus gives us the words of the Lord’s Prayer.

Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Give us the things we really need day by day and forgive us as we forgive others.

If we refuse to forgive other people, our Father will not forgive us.

When we fast, we must not make it obvious. If people praise us for fasting then we will receive nothing from the Father. Our fasting must be to the Lord alone, and He will reward us.

Application

It is hard to imagine a society which values outward piety in the way described by Jesus. If you tell someone you’re fasting, you will have to launch into a long explanation of what fasting is and the spiritual benefits of abstaining from food.

This is an example of what we now call “virtue signalling.” We put Ukraine flags on social media and claim that we stand with some group or other.

Usually virtue signalling carries no cost. It is done to gain the approval of friends and acquaintances.

Real virtue is when we go and volunteer at the homeless people’s shelter or we give sacrificially to a charity. Jesus would warn us not to post about this on Facebook.

We live in a performative society. That is, we are judged by our performance on the social stage. Jesus encourages us to get off the stage and focus on being authentic with Him alone.

Prayer

Lord, you call us to seek approval in you alone. Please rescue me from the trap of people pleasing. Amen.

Scripture

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in Heaven.”

Observation

Jesus warns us against doing good in order to be admired by others. If we do this, we lose our Father’s reward.

When we give to someone in need, we shouldn’t draw attention to ourselves. Rather, we should do it quietly.

When we pray, we shouldn’t do it to show off how holy we are. Rather, we should pray privately- just me and the Father.

We don’t need to babble on endlessly, like the pagans. Repetitious words and phrases don’t impress God. He knows what we need before we ask him.

Application

In this passage, Jesus warns us against public piety. He talks about charitable giving and prayer as opportunities to try and impress other people rather than simply being faithful to our Lord. There is nothing wrong with giving publicly or in praying publicly. We need to take sure, though, that our focus remains on our heavenly Father and on the people around us.

In the days of Jesus, it was not uncommon for wealthy people to have a trumpet fanfare to announce their arrival to do a good deed such as giving money to the temple. If Jesus was speaking today. He might say something like “When you give to the homeless people or volunteer to clean an old person’s yard, don’t post it on social media.”

The key in all of this is, where is my heart? Why am I doing this?

Prayer

Lord, purify my heart. Please protect me from the dangers of seeking the approval of people for simply being obedient to you. Amen.