In the Old Testament, fasting — deliberately going without food or water for a period of time — was done to express sorrow or remorse and was an act of repentance.

But somewhere along the way, the Pharisees and other religious leaders downgraded fasting to more of a ritual with far less spiritual relevance.

Jesus recognized this. That’s why in today’s verse He warned 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 to God and an exercise in personal spiritual growth.

Fasting can be an effective way to focus the mind on God or to petition for divine guidance. Sacrificing your meals is a symbolic way of placing your body under God’s total control. But if you do so hoping for heavenly blessings, don’t cheapen the experience by making a big deal of it and groaning about it. Keep your sacrifice a secret between you and God.

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.