16 “Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18 so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Certain Christian activities have worth when only the Lord knows you are engaged in them. The propensity for human nature, however, longs to appear righteous before others. We so want the praise of people. Jesus as the God-man understood this perfectly well, for He was tempted in every way as we are, but never succumbed to those human urgings (see Heb 2:15). Because He shared our human weakness, He sympathizes with us in this matter. It has been said that giving in to temptation cuts short the experience of being tempted. Since Jesus never gave up in His resistance to sin, He had a much greater experience of being tempted to act out His righteousness simply for the praise of people. That was inherent in His wilderness temptation (see Matt 4). Nevertheless, He lived to please His Father and for His praise only.

Billy Graham was asked about his greatest temptation. His response, “Pride.” Having spoken to millions of people, being constantly in the lime light and frequently praised—he continually reminded himself he was simply a servant of the Lord. How much more would the Lord Jesus Christ, who knew that He was “in the form of God,” knowing that the Father had given all things to Him—how much more would He be tempted to pride, to show His glory and holiness outwardly for the praise of men.

Knowing this temptation so well, Jesus warns His followers to consciously and with great effort hide their acts of personal holiness, particularly in the area of fasting. This seems to be one of the most intense, personal commitments one can make—to deprive oneself of eating for a period of time for the sake of the Lord. Fasting is a way of setting spiritual priorities ahead of physical needs for a period of time. God is not asking us to be ascetics or monks. Nor does the Lord here command us to fast, or even give a detailed understanding of it. The point is that when you do fast, do it privately and not for show. In fact, cover it up so that others will simply not be aware. This requires faith to really believe the Lord is there and He knows. Don’t ruin its value by being concerned about letting others know you are doing it.

Lord, strengthen my faith so that I see the value of doing my personal acts of holiness before Your eyes only.