Rejecting the Religious Show"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."-Matthew 6:17–18 NIV
Have you ever met someone who is so religious it makes you uncomfortable? I once knew a man who made sure everyone knew about his prayer life, his devotional habits, his Bible knowledge and reading schedule, how much he gave the church and other Christian organizations, and took great pride in his church services/Sunday school attendance. He was one of the most difficult people I have ever had to work with.
Appearing religious and knowing Christ is not always the same thing.
When Jesus spoke these words he was laying out what it means to follow God in the Sermon on the Mount. He was making it clear that appearing to follow God for the approval of others and personal gain is not what God desires.
If you want to follow God, don't put on a show. Just do it.
If you are fasting, clean up and go about your life. Don't feel the need to broadcast it to the entire world. Let it be a time of growth between you and God.
God knows.
God is aware of what is in our hearts. We do not need the approval of others to be in touch with God. The greater reward is the relationship that develops between us and God through spiritual exercises such as fasting.
Today I encourage you to fast a meal or spend time in prayer and don't tell anyone about it. Don't do it to please anyone but God. Just focus on that relationship. Reject the religious show and discover the power and love of the one true God.
Pastor John Mattern, First Church of God, Greensburg, Indiana.
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