Matthw 6:1-2

"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward" Matthew 6:1-2

"Ok, Edwin. You have told us in the past that if we have faith, we must be doing works of faith. This is our task as believers. What is this about not practicing our righteousness before men? How can we do good works for men without it being done so men can see?"

Good question. Glad you asked. Notice the comment Jesus makes after the original statement: "to be noticed by them." These are important words. They indicate that our actions are not to have the purpose of attracting attention to ourselves. Indeed, it is impossible to do good works without someone noticing. How can you buy a beggar a hot meal without him noticing? Does this mean we should not buy him the meal? No, It means that we let him know that we are doing it in Jesus' name. That's what Peter did as he entered the Temple one day. "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk." (Acts 3:6) That's how it is done. "Dear brother, I cannot help you much, but what I have is yours. I buy you this meal in Jesus' Name. Enjoy it."

I can't think of a situation in which this will not work. Are you giving a box of food to a poor widow with five kids and want to remain anonymous? Put a note in it stating it is from Jesus, put it on the doorstep, knock . . . and run! What a surprise that woman will have - and what a story to tell her friends! Helping a single mom get her car repaired? After making arrangements for payment, have the mechanic ask her to bring her car in and tell her Jesus wants to bless her by having it repaired! That will surprise the mechanic as well as the mother. (I would like to listen in on that conversation!)

See, things can be done without drawing attention to yourself - even if the object of your good deeds knows you. Give it a try. The rewards are great - though you may not know about them
until you reach Heaven. Hallelujah, Amen and Amen.