"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." Matthew 6:16-18

Three times in this chapter, Jesus warns that those who practice their good deeds in public "have received their reward." He also promises His followers that their "Father who sees in secret" will reward them for their hidden acts of obedience. When Jesus repeats something this often, we would do well to pay attention.

If we use a spiritual discipline like fasting to get attention from our peers, we will achieve that end. The problem is, we will achieve only that end. Any guarantee of future sanctification becomes null and void. We will get what we want--the satisfaction of being seen. We just won't get what we truly need.

Fasting is meant to be a well-worn refining tool for the heart, kept within easy reach in a bedroom closet, not polished and placed in a well-lit display case in the front foyer. We do not fast hoping to get caught in the act. We fast, trusting the Father will do such a secret work in our souls that others will know we have done it without ever having noticed we were doing it.

Pray:

> That God would purify the motives of your heart during this season of fasting and meet you in the most hidden places.

> That during this season of fasting and prayer, our church would be marked by humility and confidence that the "Father who sees in secret" will reward us.