“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:2-4)
Many people, including large numbers of Christians, act as if true spirituality and righteousness is a matter of outward appearance, doing good deeds, or the repetition of prayers. Good deeds and outward piety may help others but they also make people feel good about themselves. Many do good deeds so they can make God love them more. Others try to make themselves feel that they are not so bad after all, that they are actually good, maybe even very good. Their good deeds may even earn them acclaim, fame, and awards.
Jesus clearly says otherwise. Unless the heart of the person doing good deeds is right with God, what they do may be helpful on earth but they are ultimately meaningless in the Kingdom of God. Good deeds and prayer, according to Jesus, are to be done for the glory of God. Thus they are to be done in secret, without fanfare or drawing attention to the self. God will reward in secret.
Jesus wants us to be selflessly authentic: real, honest, and humble. This humility is what is signified by the ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday. We must always remember that we are but dust, nothing without the Holy Spirit in our hearts by faith in Jesus. He wants us to follow His example of love, mercy, and unselfish concern for the interests and spiritual well-being of others. This is what He did by going to the cross to die for our sins.