Living for an Audience of One

Jesus desires his followers to give, pray, and fast for the Father’s pleasure, not for personal glory.

Dennis Flaherty - Some years back Jack Kemp closed a Memorial Day address with this memorable story. It centered on the outstanding football coach of Columbia University, Lou Little. When he coached Georgetown, in 1928, he had a reserve end named Dennis Flaherty who came into scrimmage every afternoon with an older gentleman. On the day of their game with their big rival, Holy Cross, Flaherty asked Coach Little if he could play. “Son,” replied Little, “I know you play your heart out in scrimmage, but you are too small. That is why I always hold you in reserve for the end of the game when it doesn’t matter.” In response Flaherty said, “Well, Mr. Little, I’ve prayed. If I don’t do everything an end should do, pull me out after the first five minutes.” To everyone’s surprise, Coach Little let Flaherty start, and he ended up playing all four quarters. He blocked a kick, sacked the quarterback twice, intercepted a pass, and caught another for a touchdown. At the final whistle everyone was left scratching his or her head, and wondering where did that performance come from. None more so than coach Little, who sought an explanation from Flaherty. “Well, Mr. Little,” Flaherty answered, “that was my dad I came with every day.” “I gathered that,” said Little. “Well, Dad was blind,” explained Flaherty, “and last night he died from a heart attack. And so you see Coach Little, today was the first time Dad would ever see me play.

These disciplines have everything to do with relationship. God is our Father. We seek his approval.

The problem: when spiritual disciplines become public display rather than personal devotion.

Sincerity in Spiritual Disciplines

The contrast between those who seek the approval of man and those who seek the approval of God.

Sounding a trumpet - making a show of giving. - They want the glory of men.

Praying for public, much speaking - making a show of spirituality. - They want to me seen by men.

Clothing and long faces in fasting - making a show of sacrifice. - They want to be seen by men.

“Do not trust to the cheering (of the crowd), for those very persons would shout as much if you and I were going to be hanged.” - Oliver Cromwell

Secrecy in Spiritual Disciplines

Give in secret - don’t let your left hand, know what your right hand is doing.

Pray earnestly in secret - enter into your closet.

It is more important to have a genuine personal prayer life with the Lord than to be eloquent.

Act normal when fasting.

The Reward of the Father

He rewards giving by supplying all our need.

Philippians 4:17–20 ESV

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Phil. 4:17-

See also Malachi 3:10

He rewards prayer with relationship and specific answers.

John 16:23-24

John 16:23–24 ESV

In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Prayer journal - looking back on how God has answered prayer.

Acts 13:

He rewards fasting with direction and growth.

Acts 13:2–3 ESV

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.

- fasting is for the purpose of focusing our attention on the Lord and meeting the needs of those around us.