“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”
– Matthew 6:16-18, NKJV
This passage of scripture is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. Jesus wasn’t really focused on teaching about fasting here, but rather He was teaching on the subject of avoiding hypocrisy and false pretense.
Wash Your Face And Comb Your Hair
Jesus taught about giving, about praying in public places, and about fasting. He provided examples of how we should humbly worship God in each of these actions, and not seek to make a public show of our good works.
When you fast, you should not make it conspicuous to others. You may need to let your immediate family or others who are close to you in on what you’re doing, but in general you don’t want to draw attention to the fact that you’re fasting.
During times of fasting you should make a special effort to dress and groom yourself as you normally would, and conduct your daily routines in a normal fashion. Your energy may be lower throughout the day and you may need to rest more often, but you should be able to do most of what you normally do.
They Have Their Reward
God looks on the heart, not the outward appearance. Abstaining from food doesn’t impress Him, but a person seeking Him with all of his heart, soul and strength will impress Him. Fasting is designed to help you do that by shutting down the influence of your flesh.
I’ve known Christians who acted like secret agents when they were fasting, as if what they were doing was “classified” information. They made such a big deal out of being secretive that they actually wound up drawing more attention to the fact that they were fasting than if they hadn’t said anything at all.
Hypocrisy will defeat the purpose of a fast. If you are conspicuous about your fasting or seek to publicize it so as to gain the esteem of those around you, make sure you enjoy whatever admiration you receive, because Jesus said that’s all the reward you’re going to get.
About the Author
Michael Dorsey is a credentialed minister in the Church of God and very actively involved in ministry at Riverside Community Church. He is a graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center.
Michael and his wife, Katherine, live in Aberdeen, MD with their two children, Robbie and Kirsten. He views the internet as a method to reach people on a massive scale, a tool for outreach to the true seeker, a way to build up and strengthen new believers, and a resource to train Christians for effective service.
You can read more articles by Michael on his website, Threads Unraveled.
