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. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 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.
A recent Barna survey revealed the top 2 reasons people doubt Christianity. The first was a negative church experience and the second was Christians being hypocrites. It is this second one that Jesus addressed in the Sermon on the Mount. The word means “actor” and actors portray characters other than themselves to get an effect. In a show, it is a standing ovation. In a church it is folks running for the door.
Despite this warning from Jesus, Christians do it today. Leaders fear being transparent and vulnerable so they put on a holy mask for the congregation instead of sharing their struggles with them. Pastors put on a saintly unruffled mask to look like he is in total control. Congregants worship God and fail to reach out with their financial issues, addictions, and relationship problems. We all put on a mask before others with the full knowledge that God, the only one whose opinion matters, sees right through the mask. Today, let us be real in the presence of God in our fasting and our prayers so God can see it clearly.
Dear Lord, thank you for being present in our lives. Help us to live for you and not others so we can be real in your presence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church