I'm a technophile. There. I said it. I love technology. I'm addicted to it. Me being the techie I am, I began using Twitter. Now I must admit, as a regular Facebook user, I thought Twitter was unnecessarily redundant. I didn't understand how an altogether worthless tool had become so popular. Until I tried it. I think the simplicity of Twitter is what makes it so great. It's like a mini-blog that doesn't take much effort to update. It also serves as a great arena for idea exchange. I have started to use it as my personal journal of sorts. Which is why I began "tweeting" (sounds cool yet effeminate doesn't it?) during my fast the yesterday. However, I received a note from a buddy of mine pointing out the admonishment of Jesus in Matthew 6:16 that a fast is supposed to be a secret that isn't to be shared. While the point that he makes is a very valid one, I thought it would be a good idea to make my first blog entry a response to his advice.
So that I keep this short and sweet, I'm not going to get the details of fasting (purpose, types, when to, etc.). I'll save that for another post. In the sixth chapter of Matthew, Jesus addresses a few issues: spiritual disciplines - prayer, fasting alms giving; worrying - about food, clothing, etc. However, I believe that the main takeaway from this chapter is that Jesus is attacking vanity. When you look at every topic throughout the text, the common thread is a warning against allowing superficial motives take away from the genuine spiritual experience of living a holy life.
When you give to the needy, don't do it in front of others to look good.
When you pray, don't do it in front of others to look good.
When you pray, don't try to make the prettiest, longest prayer to impress people.
When you fast, don't try to "look like" you're suffering, so others can see how pious you are.
Don't be so focused on money in the here and now to the detriment of the more important after life.
Don't spend your time worrying about yourself, but have faith that your Heavenly Father will provide all your needs.
Moreover, in John 11:41-42, Jesus is shown praying out loud in front of others. Does this mean that he was being hypocritical? Of course not. He gave the very reason for his prayer - "that they may believe". What must be understood is the fact that it was customary for people to alter their outside appearance when they were fasting in order to make themselves look as though they were "super" holy. In fact, God addresses the vanity of fasting in the Old Testament as well, so this isn't anything new. Check out the 58th chapter of Isaiah. In verse five, God tells us that He wasn't pleased with the superficial humility of head bowing, and spreading ashes and sackcloth. That's why Jesus made it a point in Matt 6:17 to tell us to "anoint thine head and wash thy face". He was making it clear that fasting outwardly means nothing. It's the change that occurs inwardly that counts.
So, should we pray in the open or in secret? Should we fast and let others know or keep it to ourselves. The answer to that of course depends on your intentions. Are you sharing your spiritual disciplines for the edification of others or for the praise of men? For future tweets and posts, let it be known that it isn't done to display an outward appearance of holiness. Like Jesus said in John 11, I do it that they may believe.
