Living in secrecy sounds bad, but to practice it for a life of freedom is another story. In life group today, we discussed about how many of us are approval addicts. We may compare ourselves with others, compete with others, live for approval, recognition, fame, and constant worries of how others will view us. That’s me, and probably you too.

I like to think that I’m a decent giver, whether it be time, service, or finance. But the problem is that I look forward to the reaction of the receiving end. It’s usually good, but when it comes a time to do it in complete secrecy like supporting someone or church financially in a lump sum, I see myself itching to receive some acknowledgment.

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 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 6:1-4

God sees it all, it’s okay if others don’t see.