Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Somewhere inside each of us is a Pharisee-like drive to be recognized and applauded for our good deeds. We want people to think the best of us, so we all tend to engage in what John Ortberg calls “impression management.” In subtle and not-so-subtle ways we draw attention to what we are doing to make sure others leave the conversation with an inflated impression of us and our goodness. The antidote to this is the practice of secrecy. Jesus commands us to avoid making it obvious when we are giving, praying and fasting. Instead we engage in these disciplines before God with a reckless disregard for the impression others may or may not receive about us. We are motivated by a desire to be more like Jesus who sought only to please His Father and not people around Him. This deals a death-blow to our pride and forges humility in our hearts. It trains us to resist the applause of people and seek only the approval of God, knowing that He will reward us in His time and His way. |
