Matthew 6:16 what does it mean?

Question

M06-V16 DON'T
DON'T show your religious tasks through outward displays. Keep them private.

So does this mean when my church does a demonstration outside my local shopping mall telling the word of Jesus it is not good?

Answer 1

It means practice what you preach. Don't just say it, believe it.

Answer 2

No no, what Matthew 6:16 means is when you do a fast, you are suppose to keep it a private thing between you and God. But a lot of people want to make a show and let other people know they are fasting with out telling them so they get weak, sick, and lose a lot of weight. So when someone ask them what is wrong they can say nothing, I'm on a fast. Fast in secret with God. Read the next 2 verses and it will explain it.

Answer 3

This is what Matthew 6:16 says "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."
It means that when you fast, you are looking for spiritual cleansing and humility, not a reward. Don't tell people when you are fasting. Still carry on happily as though you are not fasting. Some people like to make it known and walk around unhappily. They want people to look at them as though they are a great person. That is why the verse said "They have their reward." Jesus said that man should not live on bread, but the word alone. Humility is one of the necessities of getting into Heaven. The Lord will reward you for being humble. Do not boast to the people.

Answer 4

I believe you have mis-understood this scripture. It makes reference to fasting, which is a cleansing process, denying your body the physical nourishment it needs, to focus your mind on God and to be in a prayerful attitude. The Pharisees of the the day, made of show of all their suffering, so that people would see how"good" they were. Jesus is speaking about their reward being from the admiration of men, not of God. If your church has a demonstration that draws attention to God and not to man, then it is a good demonstration.

Answer 5

No... what it means is what is personal between the believer and God should remain personal... there are things each individual shares with God that no one need know... or should know... Christians do not "demonstrate" outside shopping malls to give God's Word... we do however demonstrate against injustices that are against God's Word and Will for mankind... Abortion on demand and most espacialy late term abortion being one among many injustices that are commited each day... Christians are to speakout against these at every opportunity... and take any action they can to stop them.... with in the law of man... unless man has crossed too far over the line... then it would be necessary to break the law of man to keep the law of God.

and any Christian who breaks mans law to keep God's knows that they must be ready to accept the consequence of mans law for those actions.

Answer 6

Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus instructs on prayer,alms and fasting. The point is obvious. Covet the praise of God not of men.Hypocrites want the praise of men, true believers the praise of God. Your church demonstrating at a shopping center if it is not for the praise of men but is for the glory of God, then it is acceptable.

Answer 7

It might add to your knowledge to know that this was something the Pharisees would do. Everything was a big parade, a show, their religious actions displayed in front of anyone around...simply so THEY could be admired by men.
And that's part of what this points to- true worship in practice draws attention to the One that is to be worshipped, namely, God. God and God only is to be admired and worshipped.

This really makes a person wonder about all those people in the "Christian Rock" business.

Answer 8

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Fasting is not eating food for a length of time for God, while praying and being closer to God; if done correctly.
But where it says some disfigure their faces it means they make their faces get a weaker, to serious, look to imply that they are fasting, without saying "I'm fasting" verbally. The "reward" is speaks of means they will only get the looks of others noticing them. Where Jesus went on to say: "But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so it will not be obvious to men that you that you are fasting, but only to your Father (God), who is unseen; and your Father who sees sees what you do in secret, will reward you." In other words those that fast for God and do not show it off will get rewards from God in Heaven. Ones that show off will not get the reward.
I think it is the praying that we are to also keep more to ourselves. For Jesus also said "to pray in a closet". Or alone.
Just what is your Church doing?

Answer 9

Mt 6:16 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.
This is from the KJV, an old one.
Isn't this easier to understand.

Answer 10

No, this verse is about an outward show of fasting. Theatricalizing it.
You may have missed the dozens of verses where Jesus instructs to spread the good news.

Answer 11

religious displays should be done at the church.when people look at you and see your spirit of self devine glow they will ask
you were did you achive this and you can explain about your higher power and what has happened to bregin you to the point of ever lasting life.what is being hummble in every day life,demonstrations i love when they are held in parks wrer the whole world can see not were i get my riches from the material world.i love reaching to my higher power ,with the trees , birds, the spiritual realm is in the church of thoughs who seek and you shall find.