What is the right motive for fasting?

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Chuck Smith · Accepted Answer

Chuck Smith, Sermon on the Mount Study Guide, Matthew 6: Our Relationship with God: Some people are so concerned with themselves that even in their worship of God they seek to draw attention to themselves. Our motivation in doing righteous acts should be pure, so that God receives the glory for our good works. (Matthew 5:16) The motivation for any spiritual activity should be prompted by our relationship with God. He should be central in our minds as we go about our service to Him. If we would feed our spirits as much as we feed our flesh, we would be much better off. Fasting is an attempt to force the flesh to be in submission to the spirit. Scripture, King James Version: Matthew 6:16-18, "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."; Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

What is the right motive for fasting?

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