"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.
Matthew 6:16-18
In this last post about fasting (from the Sermon on the Mount [SotM]), we’ll consider Jesus’ words of warning about fasting to be seen. Jesus sounded this same warning with regard to giving (v.2-4), praying (v.5-6), and now fasting (v.16-18). And it may be safely applied to any and all acts of charity and spiritual devotion. Clearly, in the SotM, Jesus was reminding us that any act of religious devotion undertaken for the sake of the applause from other people is misguided at best, and downright hypocritically sinful at worst.
Boasting about how religious one is not uncommon, especially among those who are not spiritually minded, but merely religious. When ministers wear special clothing (especially ornate vestments and oddly shaped headdresses) it is an example. Those who love to tell others how much they serve is another very common example. In the case of fasting, Jesus pointed His holy finger at those who, whether with words or long sad faces, want others to “ooh and aah” at their devotion.
If there are exceptions, one would be when one is teaching about fasting, and shares from personal experience what they do and why. Another exception would be when a group of people agree together to partake in a particular fast. But even then, be careful that the heart is right, not looking for applause, but merely to encourage others.
Jesus says to give, pray, and fast to be seen by God who will reward appropriately based on the person’s heart, which only He can see. This serves as a good reminder that what is more at stake than what one does is the heart motivation with which one does it.
When we do what we do to be seen (and admired) by people, that hollow and fleeting admiration is the extent of the reward one can expect to receive. The spiritual reward that comes from God to those whose hearts are right, is better, and everlasting.