Our Heavenly Father sees not only our outward acts of giving to the poor and needy or any charity, but God also sees and knows our motives and the manner in which we give. If we give to be seen of men and honored by men, that is our only “reward” and we have no reason to expect a reward from 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.
And we pray:
O Lord, let us never give to Your ministry for the purpose of looking good in the eyes of others. Let us seek not honor from Man but seek that honor that comes from You only. When we honor You by obeying You, You honor us by approving of our deeds and saying to us, at last, “Well done you good and faithful servant! ” That is our highest reward. Amen.