“Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18, New American Standard Bible).

It is pretty hard to impress people by fasting in 2023. Most nonbelievers do not think it matters. In fact, probably most Christians do not think it matters, even though Jesus’ statement, “whenever you fast” assumes we will do it occasionally. We are also familiar with numerous trendy diets: People rave about how their favorite diet plan is improving their lives. Maybe we do not actually fast; instead, we adopt a weight-loss regimen.

There is a more important issue here. Why do we do anything? If we fast, what is our motive? If we pray, why do we do it? If we teach a Sunday school class or Bible study, are we trying to lead people closer to Jesus or show them how smart we are?

Our first motive in anything we do—whether in or outside church, at work, in our families, with our neighbors and friends—should be to glorify and serve God. “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).

Let God see and bless you when you fast. Let Him hear and answer your prayers. Let people see, hear, and experience Jesus when you preach, teach, or evangelize. Give Him the glory.

How can you make a greater effort to do things for God’s glory instead of your own?

Copyright © 2023 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.