When we are instructed in disciplining our students, we are told not to address only the outward behaviors, but to try to discern the heart issues and the motivation for the behavior, and to deal with that.  Jesus, Who was, of course, the greatest teacher who ever lived, was an expert on dealing with heart issues.  The public display of good deeds was a heart issue He spoke about on several occasions.

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:1-4).  Giving to the needy is not the only deed that should be kept between the giver and God. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:5-6); When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:16-18).  Jesus follows these instructions with, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where  thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:19-21).

Jesus condemned the teachers of the law and Pharisees for their exhibitions of righteousness. "Everything they do is for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassles on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi'" (Matthew 23:5-7); "You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23b-24). Jesus knew the hearts of the teachers of the law and Pharisees, and He knew all their deeds were to show off before people.  So in His words, they had their reward. They treasured what their positions brought them. Their hearts were sustained by their pride. Where is your heart?

I have heard that if you want to evaluate your relationship with Christ, consider what you do when you're alone.  Do you seek His company and conversation (Yes, He does speak back when we settle down long enough to listen)? Do you take time to praise and worship, and not just to "ask, seek, and knock"? Do you express your love and gratitude to the One Who holds you in the palm of His hand? When was the last time you danced before the ark? Do you fear that men will call you foolish? Is your public reputation more important than your spiritual reputation?  Where is your heart?

Most Precious and Merciful Father, strip me of my "church face," and help me to be honest and real before You. I want to stand before You and before the world with an unveiled face. Cleanse me of my need to be noticed, and help me to remember that I perform for an audience of One. You are my treasure and my heart--Help me to please You, Lord! Amen.