And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matt 6:16-18 (ESV)
To give balance to the last post, we should not do good to exalt ourselves. The ‘good-doing’ we are to do is to the glory of the Father and any attempt to put the limelight on ourselves is idolatry. We should not to be ashamed of the good that we do and we should not broadcast the good that we do. As far as it depends on us, we shouldn’t be boasting about the good that you do; God will use it when we keep it secret. A good example is Daniel. His prayer life was private, but everyone knew about it and Daniel didn’t deny it. In fact, his piety was so well-known that it was used against him by his political rivals. Because of Daniel’s devotion to God, God received glory. This is the sort of pattern we are to emulate.
