Showing off

     Matthew 6:2-5  says "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.  But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret you will be reward you.  When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full."
     So what does that mean?  For one thing, do not pray aloud or brag about the good things you have done.  That does not do much for you.  If you do good things just to prove that you are a good person, then shame on you!  Showing off for your good does not do much.  Like Jesus said "they get their reward in full."  So what does Jesus mean by get their reward in full?  He means that the only reward they will get is the attention of others.  That's it, nothing more.  I would rather get my reward by the Father above who can do all things than by a man or person.  God's rewards are much better than a person.  Also when it says "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing", that means don't let everyone see what you are doing.  Your donations are suppose to be kept secret.  Have you ever noticed those slips for money on the back of the pews?  Well that's what there for, to put your donation in so it can be kept secret.
     Same thing when it comes to praying.  Don't pray out loud where everyone can hear, unless they ask you to of course.  But, pray in your head where you are kept in secret.  Don't yell out "I prayed!"  When you do, only say that if someone asks you.  Christianity is not based on how generous your are with your donations, or how many times you pray.  It's between you and God, don't show off for your reason only.