Matthew 6:2-6, 16-18
Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

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. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

There is the “let your light shine” part of following God where we do good that others can see so God will be glorified, but then there is this hidden, secret part of our walk with Him. It is not about doing religious or spiritual things to look good on the outside and draw attention to ourselves and to have the praise of other people, but it is cultivating this intimate and personal relationship with God that is just between us and Him. When we do these things just to be seen, that praise from others will be our only reward.

But our relationship with God should go beyond these surface level things. It is about giving to others not for praise and applause, but to please God and obey Him by giving what we can as He leads and supplies to truly make a difference for those in need. It’s not about making a show with long, eloquent prayers, but it is talking openly and honestly with our heavenly father, pouring out our hearts in worship, praise, petition, and intercession. It is fasting unto God not for show and pity, but to draw nearer and nearer to God and allow Him to fill us with Himself.

Do you have a “secret” relationship with God? Are there things you do with Him and for Him that no one else knows about? Is your desire and intention to truly have a deep relationship with God, or do you just want to look good and fit in with other Christians externally? To truly have this deeper, private relationship, we may need to humble ourselves, to readjust our focus and priorities, to stop worrying so much about the outward appearance and truly ensure our hearts are right with the Lord. And Jesus promises here that those who do so will be blessed for it.