HYPOCRITES LOVE TO FAST.
Hello, family! I hope this message finds you well.
Building on my previous post, I'd like to tackle another important topic: hypocrisy in spiritual practices (FASTING).
As we explore the scriptures, it's striking to see how often Jesus addressed and condemned the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of His time, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees. Those encounters are not only pivotal but also, ironically, some of the most humorous moments recorded in the Bible."
As we established earlier, fasting is a purpose-driven discipline. I defined it as voluntarily abstaining from something - whether food, technology, or habits to refocus your attention on what truly matters. As Dr. Myles Munroe aptly put it, 'when the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.' Therefore, embarking on a fast without a clear understanding of its purpose is not only unproductive but also unnecessary.
However, a challenge arises because spiritual practices, including fasting, can be misused or distorted by those with a limited or misguided understanding of God. This unfortunate reality is not unique to fasting, as many spiritual disciplines are vulnerable to abuse.
According to Merriam-Webster, a hypocrite is someone who pretends to have moral principles or religious beliefs that they don't actually possess, essentially disguising their true nature.
Jesus addressed the issue of hypocritical fasting in Matthew 6:16-18, warning against those who fast with the wrong motives. Hypocrites, Jesus said, try to appear spiritual by looking somber and disheveled while fasting, but their reward is merely human recognition.
Matthew 6:16-18 NIV “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. [17] But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, [18] so that it will not be obvious to others 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.
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their ostentatious displays of spirituality, including their somber and self-righteous appearance while fasting. By publicly announcing their fasting, they sought to impress others and gain admiration. Jesus taught that when we seek to draw attention to our spiritual practices, we've already received our reward – human praise – rather than seeking a genuine, heartfelt connection with God.
In today’s world, we see examples of hypocritical fasting when people try to appear more spiritual than others by boasting about their fasting accomplishments. Statements like "I’ve been fasting for three days, will you join me?" or "I fasted for 40 days before coming here" some are attempts to elevate oneself above others. Jesus said that those who seek to draw attention to their fasting have already received their reward which is human recognition.
Honestly, fasting can sometimes feed our ego, making it tempting to subtly brag about our accomplishments. However, we must resist this urge, ensuring that our focus remains on the spiritual significance of fasting rather than seeking to elevate ourselves. The true value of fasting lies not in the act itself, but in the Spirit that motivates and empowers us.
We see in the book of Isaiah 58:2-6
[2]Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.
[3]Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.
[4]Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.
[5]Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD?
[6]Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
Through the prophet, God expressed His disappointment with the people's fasting practices. He revealed that their fasting was not genuinely about seeking Him, but rather about projecting a pious image, wearing sackcloth and ashes as a display. In reality, their fasting was motivated by self-interest, strife, and a desire to argue their spiritual superiority, boasting, "I've fasted many days too." Jesus consistently emphasized the importance of the heart, teaching that true spirituality is about sincere intentions and a genuine relationship with God, not outward appearances or self-promotion.
Jesus in Matthew 15:7-8 NIV said to the pharisees: You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me'.
As I mentioned earlier, every fasting season should have a clear purpose and outcome in mind. It's not just about going through the motions or following a crowd. While the fasting period may be observed collectively, the benefits and rewards are deeply personal and specific to each individual. Don't fast just to take on a challenge or to prove a point. Don't fast with the goal of becoming a "giant" or trying to emulate a MOG. Instead, fast with genuine motives, again I say fast with godly intentions.
To strike a neccesary balance, it's unrealistic to expect that no one will notice when you're fasting, especially in situations like bringing food to the office. If you suddenly stop, colleagues may become curious or concerned, even offering you food. In such cases, it's perfectly fine to simply inform them that you're fasting for a few days without seeking to draw attention to yourself. This kind of matter of fact disclosure doesn't constitute hypocrisy.
It's completely reasonable to inform your spouse, family, or loved ones that you're fasting, especially if it will help them understand your boundaries and avoid suggesting activities that might be challenging for you during that time. The caution against boasting is aimed at those who fast solely to impress others, and that's not your intention.
May God guide and empower us to make the most of this season, and may we not miss out on the blessings and spiritual growth that come from sincere fasting and seeking Him. In Jesus' name, Amen!
