PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 6:16-18
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“So that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” (Matthew 6:18)
Jesus is speaking of those who fast to send a message to others.
‘Look at how spiritual I am’, ‘I am more spiritual than you’ or ‘feel sorry for me’.
I have met people who were quick to tell me about their ‘fasting’ experiences.
What about when we do anything ‘religious’, should we try to keep it hidden?
Like praying in a restaurant, carrying your bible or wearing a cross?
This last one is especially relevant for me, for I’ve worn a wooden cross for years.
As I am aware, I do not wear my cross more for myself than for others.
‘A simple reminder to me, of the fact that I am a christian, no matter where I might be’.
I do not hear Jesus issuing a command, but a gracious caution.
Be careful about how you display your faith, that it is not rooted in pride.
Pay attention to your heart, is it really about you and God, or is it more?
Don’t draw attention to yourself, don’t be showy or ‘in your face’.
Stay humble, focus more on ‘doing good’ than on ‘looking good’.
I’m going to have to pray some more about this cross-wearing thing…
PRAYER
Lord, this is the first time I’ve thought about the big cross I wear. Help me to discern whether my motives for this are healthy or unhealthy.
Having served with Muslim staff and colleagues, I’ve seen the show and I’ve heard staff make excuses because they are fasting therefore don’t expect me to do this or that. A very zealous Muslim staff member told me that is wrong – he basically said the same thing as Jesus says here. He reminded me that the fasting is to Allah – to God and not to show off how pious a person is – so he told me that the staff person should carry on their duties just the same as if they were not fasting. When I fast, I deliberately do not let others know – so that I don’t draw attention on myself – rather for me it is a time to retreat and focus on my relationship with God. For me 24 hour fasts work the best.
O be careful with what you see.
All too often we do things to impress others.
Remember the rich man and the poor widow in their giving? Showmanship.?
My relationship to the Lord is that He must be first in all things and that must rule my life. It is all for Him and not for myself or my prestige.
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be