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.
Today started "Lent" for those that practice it. I personally think its great- I think as Christians we should give up things and we should see it as a sacrifice to be a Christian-after all- Lenten season comes from Jesus dying on the cross for us. I am so torn- and have been for years about Lent.
After many bible studies that talk about it- and thinking- its supposed to do away with 'anything that comes between you and God' ' anything that is hindering your walk with Christ'
Ive also read this verse a lot and i think it really relates to Lent and what is done...
Matthew 6:1.... Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
**And this part is read OFTEN in church***
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your father who is unseen.
I have no 'answer' I just heard people all over the courthouse today and throughout my day state what they were 'giving up' and the more I think about it- it seems silly to me that people think these are true sacrifices when it is in reverence of Jesus dying or God sending his Son for us. Kregg mentioned he may 'give up' pop for lent--and while I don't blame him because thats the society we live in- I really want to give up something that isn't just a 'luxury'...something thats a little more important than the things that are 'given' up these days..something that truly is coming between me and God. I guess I'm just a little tainted from growing up where people would make statements like;
"I have to give THIS up"
or "it sucks i can't have THIS"
or where people 'give' something up but don't change their mindset or actions toward Christ.
As its supposed to be a quiet thing between me and God--I won't post what I plan to do with the Lenten season- but I do hope I can let it bring me closer to God than i maybe have been the past few weeks of busy work/home/baby stuff.
And the best part of this whole discussion is that Im a Christian and that means its just between me and God--
