Jesus said, “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
I guess modern Americans are not that different from first century Jews.
We tend to make things about us.
The point of this famous Lenten passage, is to remind us to make everything about God.
When we fast… when we pray… when we serve... when we give... when we tithe... it may make us feel better (every spiritual discipline has huge personal benefits), but ultimately, none of this is about us ... it's all about God.
But here's the gift and the blessing: When we make life about God, we are given our own life ... and we are given it abundantly (John 10:10). But when we make it about us, we get neither the fullness of life that we desire (we are never satisfied) nor do we get God.
In Christ's Love,
a guy who wants both
... abundantly
No comments:
Post a Comment