1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Ever been called a hypocrite? I have. At the time it didn’t bother me because I had an understanding of mercy and grace she lacked. Her view of me was painted by others and not by me or my circumstances. She expected legalist adherence, strong handed control, dominance over my family.

This is only one view. Another might be seen as this. I am both spirit and flesh. Others cannot see the spiritual side of you. They see the flesh and judge us by the flesh. Self-control is the last fruit of the spirit listed. I’ve been told it is the last one to ripen. Even if it were, the world would not see it.

I could walk in perfection and still be labeled a hypocrite. Those who scream at me judge from a place which only exists in their own experience. I can give or offer a new experience but it will never replace theirs by anything I say or do.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Rewritten for the flesh: But without faith it is impossible to please MAN: for MAN neither believes in God nor seeks God, so that all the blessing which are offered are missing and MAN is left with nothing but bitterness.

You cannot please people.

Matthew 9:14-15 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

Why do we do what we do? Jesus points out that His disciples need not fast as long as He is among them. The purpose for fasting should be to put aside everything or anything which hinders your closeness to Christ. The OT example of fasting is one of food. I have fasted on food for a season. I have fasted on television. I have fasted on the news.

None of those fasting could have accomplished their purpose without a time of prayer, meditation and study of the scriptures. Fasting in and of itself, apart from these things is meaningless. The purpose of the fast is to come closer to Jesus, to put aside the distractions and times ill spent on things of the flesh, things of the world and of things which consume one’s mind.

If you spend time praying, meditating, and studying the scripture, you will find no need to fast. But what about other endeavors? Why do you do what you do? Do you do them with purpose or habit? Do you do them with purpose or obligation? Do you do them with purpose or mindless idleness?

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Do you know your purpose?