“And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already.” – Matthew 6:16 (AMP)
As much as Christ taught that Believers must do their good deeds before men so that those men might glorify God, Christ frowns so much at hypocrisy and undue publicity of spiritual disciplines when practiced. During Jesus’ time, the Pharisees challenged Jesus that His disciples do not fast. But be sure that Jesus knew the attitude of the Pharisees that they are men pleasers.
Fasting is one of the controversial matters in the Christian faith. Some believe Christians shouldn’t fast while some believe they should fast but what does Christ really say about it? If you consider the passage for today, Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus said “when you fast” and not “if you fast”, there is a difference between the two statements. You might say Christ did not put compulsion on fasting but He didn’t say Christians shouldn’t fast like many claim.
At one point or the other, Christians will fast, even though the period will vary but it will help our spiritual growth. So, when you fast, don’t be like the Pharisees who like to let men know that they are fasting by wearing a sad countenance. They make people know that they are fasting so that they can be called the spiritual ones and by doing this, they have their reward already.
When you fast, do not wear a sad countenance. And do not fast because you want to prove a point to people that you can fast for a certain number of days. Let your fasting be between you and God alone for He is the One who will reward your fasting. Let this be done by instruction, mostly and do so without undue publicity. Do not live in hypocrisy. And do not live to please men but God. Blessings.
Practical Discussion: Fasting is one controversial matter in Christianity. What is your view and do you believe you should fast? And if you do, how often do you fast?
Confession: I live in sincerity and faithfulness to the Word of God. I am not an hypocrite. I live a life of possibilities in God and strength is given me to engage in my spiritual disciplines.
Related Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18
Bible Reading: Matthew 6
