Do you live religiously so that you will be rewarded or recognized publicly?
I know we all need a pat on the back and an "atta-boy or atta-girl" every once in a while. Affirmation fuels our passion to perform. But do you need to be affirmed in order to do a good job?
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes us choose between being rewarded on earth or in eternity...
Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV)
16 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.
17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,
18 that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
This time, Jesus deals with the subject of fasting to illustrate the choice between earthly or eternal rewards. Fasting is often misunderstood, so let's explore what fasting is and isn't...
Fasting does not twist God's arm and make Him do what you're trying to get Him to do. Some think that if they fast long enough, they will earn the right to be heard by God. However, the Bible tells us to "boldly approach the throne of Grace." We are "sons of God" who are led by His Spirit, therefore, we already have His attention. Furthermore, we are instructed to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving by prayer and supplication.
Fasting is not to be done so that everyone knows you're fasting. Jesus specifically addresses those trying to appear religious by disfiguring their faces in order to be seen by others. This type of religion only brings an earthly reward and has no merit in eternity.
Fasting is purely an opportunity for you to deny your flesh in order to cleanse your spirit so that you can more clearly Hear the voice of God and follow His Spirit. Fasting is important. It serves a purpose. And that purpose is to deny the flesh.
Fasting serves as a consistent reminder that I need to crucify my flesh. While food is the most common type of fasting, there is also merit to fasting from other things like video games, entertainment, online social networking, etc. Anytime one denies their flesh and opens their spirit to more of the Holy Spirit, this is a positive thing.
However, don't do it to be noticed. Don't announce your fast to others hoping to be patted on the back. Don't fast in hopes that you'll be paraded across the platform and praised for what you're doing. Instead, fast "in secret" so that God may reward you!
