What Audience Are You seeking? Matthew 6:16-18

Matthew 6:16-18 (NKJV): “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.

Whose approval are you looking for when you worship? Who are you trying to impress? Are you trying to look spiritual in front of men? Or are you looking to grow in your Relationship with The One True God?

This is what Jesus was saying when it came time for certain practices to grow in our Relationship with Our Lord. He was saying that if you really truly want to grow in your Relationship with Him, then don’t brag about the things you are doing for Him. If you really want to hear from him, then you need to seek Him on matters privately.

We may not realize that fasting is not about practicing rituals. What fasting is prescribed for is that we remove any distractions that we may have, to Hear from Our Heavenly Father. Fasting does not always have to be from food, it can be from social media, or anything that preoccupies our time, that we don’t hear from Him. Paul even mentioned to husbands and wives to not deny themselves from each other, unless it is for a time of fasting, so that they may grow in their Relationship with God, together (1 Corinthians 7:5).

If you are going to fast, make sure you take precautions to do it in a matter that doesn’t attract attention from others. Use it as time to focus and grow with The Lord.