Read and meditate on Matthew 6:16-18 today…
16“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. 17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18that 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.
Ah, the ol’ “spiritual look.” What does a “spiritual look” look like? Gloomy. Sad. Somber. Serious. Some people work hard on this. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day did. They made a point to let everyone know that they were fasting…suffering for God…really serious about their devotion. So they worked on their best somber, gloomy face and walked around the marketplace looking spiritual. They probably had subtle ways of letting people know that they were fasting too.
“Would you like a bite of these grapes? They are really good.”
“No, not today. Today is my fast day. I am sure those grapes are good. You go ahead and enjoy them. I am denying myself today in order to draw closer to God. It is part of my regular practice. Fasting is good for the body and good for the soul….but of course I am sure that you wouldn’t understand.”
Image is everything. There’s nothing like impressing your friends with your spirituality.
Today fasting and long public prayers are probably not the spiritual “in” thing. Now it is more like vegetarianism…or meditation…or yoga…or being green…or being multi-cultural, pluralistic, and tolerant of others…or being in Oprah’s Book Club. The point is really not the spiritual practice, whatever it is, but rather the motivation behind it. Do I truly know and love God? Do I trust Him? Do I truly love others?
Jesus paints “spirituality” in completely different terms in the Sermon on the Mount. It is not following rules and regulations but humbly recognizing one’s inadequacy and depending on God. It is not looking and acting spiritual but simply loving God and loving others. Nothing flashy. Nothing mystical. Nothing necessarily impressive to others.
God dwells in the secret place. He sees past our gloomy, somber, spiritual-looking faces or vegetarian diets or long prayers or mystical experiences and interacts directly with our hearts. This is where true spirituality begins.
Lord, I don’t want to play games. I don’t want my relationship with You to be skin deep. Help me to let go of my idols and simply enjoy being in Your presence.