Scripture Reading:

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Matthew 6:16-18

 

[16]  Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. [17] But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; [18] that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

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Notice in the above scripture that Jesus does say if we fast, but rather when we fast, indicating that it is something we expected to do in conjunction with prayer and giving. 

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True devotion is not performed for an audience, but offered to God alone. Hypocrisy creeps in when spiritual disciplines become tools for validation rather than expressions of surrender.

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Fasting and prayer are meant to realign our heart, not elevate the image. When our devotion is driven by recognition, it loses its power. But when it flows from pure motives, it becomes a sacred meeting place between us and the Father who sees in secret.

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God is not impressed by outward displays of false humility and will worship. He is attentive to inward posture of surrender and utter dependency.

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Jesus calls us to rend to our hearts not our garments, to wash our faces, anoint our heads, and not purposely draw attention. Pure devotion is not about appearing holy but truly transforming & becoming holy. Secret devotion produces public fruit. What is cultivated in hidden places shapes our character, sharpens our discernment, and deepens our intimacy with God.

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In fasting and prayer, the reward is not applause or admiration—it is communion with the King! When we draw near to God, He sees, & in turn draws near to us! When our motives are pure, grace will flow freely. The Father who sees in secret will respond openly, & transform us from the inside out.

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What motivates your fasting and prayer? Intimacy or recognition? Are you more concerned with being seen by people or establishing intimacy with our Father?

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Prayer:

 

Father, search my heart and purify my motives. Teach me to seek You for who You are, not for what others may see in me. May my devotion be sincere, hidden, and pleasing in Your sight. I desire Your presence more than public approval. In Jesus' might name,  Amen.