“Be careful NOT TO PERFORM YOUR RIGHTEOUS ACTS before men TO BE SEEN by them. If you do, you will HAVE NO REWARD from your Father in heaven….” Matthew 6: 1 BSB (Emphasis mine)
In the previous edition, we looked at the various kinds of fasting, and period of fasting. We discovered the five basic kinds of fasting and the seven biblical period or duration of fasting. We established that apart from the decreed fasting, both the leadership and personal fast are based on conviction or the leading of the Holy Spirit.
In today’s edition, we are going to look at how to have an effective fasting. Fasting is one of the righteous acts. Therefore, there are certain procedures and protocols to observe in order to make our fasting effective. These protocols are applicable to all the three categories of fasting with a slight variation. When we consider the above biblical text, it suggests, like the prayer and alms giving, the number one procedure to follow when performing any righteous act is to decide on whom we are trying to please or impress. Sometimes we perform such acts not because we want to please God, but either to boost our ego or to please those around because of the position we occupy.
Number two, where we perform the righteous acts is also a matter of concern. The location factor deals with whether we performed them openly or in secrecy. The above scripture suggests our fasting must be in secrecy. For instance, the decreed fasting and some of the leadership fasting at the national level may not necessarily be in secrecy since everybody in the Jewish community or the nation is embarking on it around the same time. Therefore, that kind of fast is more like a festival in the public domain.
When it comes to the other part of leadership/corporate fasting where the leaders of the church or the religious organization decrees a fast for their congregation or followers, there is some need to observe certain level of secrecy. The fasting should be within the confines of the organization in order to safeguard the blessings or the benefits of the fast. Otherwise, we may receive the applauds of men and lose the reward or benefits from God for observing the fast.
Unfortunately, we print banners, raise billboards or signages and advertise on social media platforms, radio and television to announce our righteous acts such as fasting to the general public. When we do these, we risk losing our blessing or rewards. No wonder these days after our corporate fasting and prayer season, we don’t see much results like the early days when we didn’t advertise our fasting and prayer events. If we have to advertise, it should be within the confines of the church or the congregation and must not extend to the general public. Else the public will reward us by applauding our acts but our blessing will elude us.
In regards to the personal fasting, high level of secrecy is required.
Beloved, inclosing, let us reflect Matthew 6:16-18 as we try to analyze it in the next edition hopefully tomorrow.
“And when YOU FAST, DON’T MAKE IT OBVIOUS, AS THE HYPOCRITES DO, for they TRY TO LOOK MISERABLE AND DISHEVELED SO PEOPLE WILL ADMIRE (applaud) THEM FOR THEIR FASTING. I tell you the truth, that is the ONLY REWARD THEY WILL EVER GET. But when you fast, COMB YOUR HAIR AND WASH YOUR FACE (Have a presentable appearance). Then NO ONE WILL NOTICE THAT YOU ARE FASTING, EXCEPT YOUR FATHER, WHO KNOWS WHAT YOU DO IN PRIVATE. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. NLT, (Emphasis mine).
PRAY WITH ME
Lord Jesus, I thank you this day for my life. From this day forward, I have resolved in my heart to let my fasting be in secrecy. Holy Spirit, please guide and help me achieve this. This I pray in the precious name of Jesus! Amen!
Author: REV. SOLOMON LUTTERODT