Wash Your Face

by Pastor Ken

“But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face; so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:17-18

In the Old Testament fasting was something done to express sorrow or remorse and was an act of repentance. But somewhere along the way the Pharisees and other religious leaders downgraded it to more of a ritual with far less spiritual relevance. Jesus recognized this; warning them to not use fasting as an outward show of religion. Instead, He said, they (and we) need to remember what fasting is truly meant to be—an act of submission and spiritual growth.

Whether it be fasting, service, prayer, or even going about your daily routine at work or at home, do everything cheerfully and with the motivation to honor God. Don’t focus or worry about what other people think, but rather what God thinks.

Pray: LORD, Help me to do everything for Your glory, not for attention and praise from other people. In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.