Matt. 6:16-18 – Public vs. Private Piety (Fasting)
The Lord continues with the concept that it is what the Lord sees in your heart as you offer your fasting and prayers that is all important, not what others see in your acts of piety. Again, what I see in these verses are still the individual responsibility but there is also an individual responsibility within the community. The practice of the community begins with the hearts of the individuals within the community. If the individuals parade around and make a show of their piety then that is what the community will come to reflect. JBB