Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 6:16-18.
In this passage Jesus is critical of people who try to get attention for the good things they do, which in this case is fasting. In Jesus' day the Jews put ashes on their heads when they were fasting, as a sign to others of their devotion to God. Jesus was concerned that people were fasting only for the sake of showing it to the people around them. He warned that if people performed religious acts to impress others, they were not impressing God. The discipline of fasting, like prayer, is meant to draw us nearer to God. The disciplines are meant to make us pure in heart before God.
Our spiritual practices are meant for God, for our relationship with Him alone. We should be careful in talking about our fasting or other spiritual practices with other people or posting about them on social media. While there may be a genuine need to share experiences with others, we must think about the temptation to turn others’ attention toward us. Jesus starts verse 16 off by saying “when you fast” assuming that all were fasting. It is clear that fasting and prayer are often cited together in scripture. Have you tried it?
Personal Worship Option:
Dear God, help us to focus on the goal of strengthening our relationships with you in all that we do. Whether it is through fasting, prayer, or study, make us be guided by you. Amen.
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