Almost in all cultures, Giving, Fasting, and Praying are considered merit-earning good deeds. Most people in the world believe that these three are important spiritual disciplines. Nevertheless, they believe in a myth that they could earn their salvation by these kinds of good works. Prophet Isaiah declared that from a human perspective, they could be righteous deeds, but are indeed like filthy rags or menstrual clothes. (Isaiah 64:6) At best, these deeds could help a person to be directed to the true God as Cornelius was. (Acts 10: 1-2) The Lord Jesus Christ condemned such deeds with evil motives that do not please God. (Matthew 6: 1-8) Without faith in the Lord Jesus, all disciplines are useless.
Giving: Giving to God and giving to the poor and needy are endorsed by the Bible. Graciously and generously, they scatter to the poor, their righteousness will remain forever. (Psalms 112:9; II Corinthians 9:9) Almsgiving is considered as deeds that earn merits from God in many religions. In some religions, feeding animals and birds is considered a merit. However, the Lord taught his disciples the principle of anonymous giving. The left hand should not know what the right hand is giving. Giving should not be advertised.
Fasting: One of the penances for salvation is fasting or abstinence from food in some religions. Fasting is not to blackmail God or coerce Him to yield. Fasting is showing humility, focus, and eagerness to see God’s work done to be seen by men. Those who fast should enter a closed chamber to speak with God in secret but receive a reply publicly.
Praying: People like to pray with ornamental words, that are termed empty phrases or vain words by the Lord. For some repetition of words, like chanting means to attract the attention of God. Prayer is a conversation with God that is based on a relationship through the Lord Jesus Christ who is the mediator.
Appreciation and Applause: People who desire and get commendation from humans, will certainly get that, not the Lord’s approval.
Is my faith in the Lord accompanied by spiritual discipline?