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. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
There are two distinct lessons in this quote. In the first portion of this lesson Jesus gives instructions to those who might choose to fast. I haven't found any New Testament scripture that requires members of the Church to fast, such as that found that requires us to pray. The most important thought I take from this instruction is that in anything we do to demonstrate our worship for God, as Christian people, we should remain wholly humble.
The second portion of this lesson, definitely applies to today's Christian. Throughout Jesus' ministry He cautioned His disciples to live by faith in Him and to not rely on the material things of this earth.
This is another one of the most blatantly violated demands that Jesus placed on His disciples.
This is another one of the most blatantly violated demands that Jesus placed on His disciples.
Today, we teach our children to 'save' for their future ignoring this lesson and what Jesus promised in Luke 12:29-34, "And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
God will always provide for His faithful children, just as Jesus promised. Therefore, we should not strive to build up huge bank accounts, or "lay up in store", but instead place our faith in God through Jesus Christ, that He will provide for all our wants and needs. We should always be willing to surrender all our earthly possessions, fully content that God will be faithful to replenish them.~
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