Lent Week 3: Wash Your Face (Matthew 6:16-18)
“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
It’s not about them, it’s about you (and me!)
I don’t know about you, but when I am doing something hard, I like it when others notice. Especially if I am working while someone else is just sitting doing nothing, I am tempted to sigh and huff and call attention to the fact that I am working at something. (Yes, I know I have some “Martha” in me!) I know intellectually that it shouldn’t matter, but I like recognition.
“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.” Matthew 6:16
Gloomy faces
I understand the pharisees that put on gloomy expressions while fasting so that others would notice. Immediate approval and recognition feels good. It is nice when other people notice that you are doing the right thing, especially if it is hard.
Focus on the unseen
However, Jesus said that our focus needs to be focused not on what is seen or can be heard here on earth. Our attention must be attuned to an audience of One – the Father’s approval is the only accolade that really matters.
Yes or no
In fact, we are throwing away all the good that fasting does if we use it to earn the approval of people. The approval of people is all the reward we will get. One thing I have had to learn as an adult is that when I say “yes” to one thing, I am saying “no” to another. When we say “yes” to pleasing people, we are saying “no” to spiritual growth, heavenly rewards, and the approval of God. I know that I don’t want to do that.
How to say “yes” to the eternal
“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 6:17-18
Nowadays we might say, do your hair and put on your makeup, but wash your face will do. 🙂 Place a happy expression on your face and focus on the positive. Fasting may cause our heads to ache, stomachs to growl, or our attitudes to head southward, but we can combat that with reflection on what Jesus has done for us. Enduring torture and death on our behalf, Jesus endured so much more than a desire for a snickers bar.
Shifting Focus
We have action steps right in these verses: get up, wash your face, look lively. I think another action step can also help us avoid calling attention to ourselves while fasting. When we are with other people, we can ask them questions about what is going on in their lives and truly listen to the answers. We can draw the attention from our own struggles or successes and show compassion for their struggles and celebrate their successes.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4
All glory to God
We can also give glory to God for what He has done, drawing attention to Him rather than ourselves. Let’s keep our eyes up, noticing what God is doing in our lives and in the world. When we see God at work, we are encouraged to keep on doing the hard things.
Lent Week 3 Action Step:
Simple action steps today: Get up, wash your face, SMILE – even when you don’t feel like it! Fasting can be hard – the rewards may not be felt or seen right now, but they are coming! Trust God and His way for eternal recognition.
Do something today that gives attention to lives of others. Give glory to God for something that He is doing or has done!
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Lent Week 3 Prayer:
Dear God, help us to get up, wash our faces, and smile even when we don’t feel like it. Turn our hearts toward You during this Lenten season and teach us to desire eternal rewards more than momentary pleasure. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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