Don't Be a Hypocrite

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 NLT)

Fasting is an intensely private matter between an individual and God. That’s not to say, though, that a group of believers can’t collectively fast. Esther called upon her uncle Mordecai to rally their people to an absolute fast (no food or drink) for three days when Haman’s murder plot against the Jews was discovered (Esther 4:16). The church of Antioch fasted and prayed as a group before the first “official” Christian missionaries went out from among them (Acts 13:1-3). That other people know we’re fasting is not the issue. That our fasting could be an attempt to impress other people is the issue. It’s always a matter of the heart.

When Jesus spoke of fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, He was referring to a common practice among Pharisees to make themselves look unkempt on the days they were fasting. This was a subtle attempt to solicit the praise of people for their (supposed) deep devotion. And considering that the Pharisees fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12), their appearance was a common sight.

Jesus said that if we practice our righteousness (whether it’s prayer, giving, or fasting) to be seen by others, then their praise is all the reward that we’ll receive. On the other hand, fasting that is private and sincere never goes unnoticed by our Heavenly Father.

Be encouraged today as you seek the Lord with prayer and fasting...