JULY 4
MATTHEW 6:16_Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.
Hypocrisy develops in stages. The more you succumb to it, the firmer its stronghold. Hypocrisy strongholds are motivated by life is more about my looking good than God receiving glory. Truth destroys strongholds – any stronghold. When truth fills your heart— there is no room for deception.
The disfigured face of the fasting hypocrite is designed to draw personal attention. As in a theatrical production, make-up and costumes are an essential part. The more authentic the make-up the more believable the character. If the character wants to evoke compassion for great self-sacrifice, the make-up and costume are as important as acting ability. Jesus’ disfigured face descript is about understanding this is not a time for drawing attention.
More than for strengthening the spirit, fasting to the hypocrite is a time for moving up the spiritual ladder – to the top of the totem pole. Any time God is not at the top of your totem pole – “something is rotten in the state of Denmark!” (check your Shakespeare—Hamlet).
When being the head of your Christian group is more important to you than serving God in the lives of His people, be careful – you already have your reward.
PRAYER
Magnificent God, I don’t want my life to be about me, I want it to be about You. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Christ should be the head—He is head of my life!
The Works of Her Hands 