To Fast or Not to Fast, That is NOT the Question
And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:16-18 ESV
I grew up in church, but fasting was not something we have been taught much about. So, there was a time when I asked "why? What is it that we are supposed to do when fasting." The Bible was not really helpful in giving clear instruction of what to do when you fast.
This passage sure point to how it would be done incorrectly, and what would be a right attitude. Jesus' instruction here is found in a teaching session He did for His disciples.
He began with how we should be so discreet with our giving, our right hand should not know what the left one is doing it. Last week I talked about how our mindset should be from the lesson on the Lord's Prayer. This week it's about how fasting is something intimate between us and God and not for anyone else to know.
To fast or not to fast would not make you a more, or less, sacred person. There are people who can have a perfect relationship with God without it. The right question is
Do you want to have an intimate relationship with God, or having people think you have is enough for you?