“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. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 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."
I don't believe that Jesus is speaking here about fasting or not fasting. While fasting was an assumed discipline of devout Jewish worshipers, Jesus is not trying to make a case for fasting; rather, Jesus is again speaking of heart motives. Even in the personal spiritual disciplines -not just fasting, but also studying Scripture, praying, giving and even worshiping, and even preaching or teaching- there is a huge difference between true, authentic communion with Father and putting on a religious show so that others will recognize how spiritual we are.
This does not mean that we should never pray in public or worship in public or speak Scripture in public. And it doesn't mean that if anyone finds out about our spiritual habits of fasting or praying or studying that those things no longer have spiritual value. But in all spiritual pursuits, our heart motivations matter. Am I truly seeking God or am I simply seeking attention?
A reality worth understanding: we generally get what we seek. If we are seeking attention, we can usually draw attention to ourselves; but there is no spiritual value in it. If, on the other hand, we are seeking God, we are rewarded with a deeper, more intimate, more personal relationship with Father.
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