The answer is: In secret

Matt 6:1-18 - Not like the Pharisees who made sure everyone knew what good works they were doing

When you think about charitable works, prayers, and fasting, secrecy might not be the first word that springs to mind. Yet, Matthew 6:1-18 urges a fresh perspective. Imagine sneaking around, quietly lending a hand to someone in need or having an energized yet private prayer session in your bedroom—who wouldn’t call that intriguing?

The contrast here is sharp: Jesus talks about the Pharisees, who were pretty much the religious celebrities of their time. They handed out charity like it was a trophy and didn’t shy away from prayerfreestyle battles in public. Instead of doing good for genuine reasons, they craved admiration more than the act itself.

So, how do we embody this ‘secret yet sincere’ spirit? Imagine the impact when your acts of kindness become a quiet ripple—even small gestures can inspire waves! Similarly, you're not just told to do these devotions privately but with genuine intention. It's not about public applause; rather, it's about what transforms you internally.

As for fasting, it was originally intended for deeper communion rather than for diet marketing—so when you choose to abstain, focus on the growth that comes from that stillness. Fun fact: Did you know the ancient Israelites fasted not just for personal reasons but also as a form of national repentance? Much like a team uniting towards a common goal, they believed communal authenticity had the power to change the trajectory of their society. How’s that for solidarity?