By Pastor Mike Neu
St John’s Lutheran Church
Lent is upon us, a season of fasting. Giving up certain things during this season is supposed to honor the forty days Jesus fasted in the desert. Moses fasted forty days as well.
People around you will be suffering for God. How will you know? They will be happy to tell you, often without prompting, what they are giving up for Lent.
What’s the point of self-sacrifice if no one is aware of your suffering? And such suffering in the world! Consider the things one gives up: chocolate, Starbucks coffee, sweets of various sorts, alcohol and sodas. The list of goodies is endless.
Fasting of this sort during Lent, or at any time, can be commendable, provided it is done for the right reasons and intent. Giving up some indulgence in certain things is not inherently bad. But when you are making the decision to go without, ask yourself why you are making this decision.
We are told, “Then the Lord of hosts came to me: ‘Say to all these people of the land and the priests, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me you fasted?’” Zechariah 7:4-5.
Are you showing signs of repentance to God, a desire to change your sinful ways and showing signs of humility before God?
Or are you doing it as a way of displaying your piety to all? Are you trying to bring attention to yourself in order to look like a “good Christian” to your friends and neighbors?
Jesus tells us, “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 unto 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 you in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18.
“Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets,” Luke 6:26.
Please, if you fast this Lenten season, do it for the right reason, in honor of God and not in a desire to become a public spectacle. Fast in private, where your Father sees you, not online.
