Covert Righteousness

As Matthew 6 begins, Jesus introduces us to the principles of piety, starting with the general commitment to secretive religion -- a covert righteousness. We are not to do our righteous acts in order to be seen by men, but before the face of God. Right things done in wrong ways are not pleasing in God's sight. Jesus addresses the first of three pillars of Jewish piety -- almsgiving. We must consider our Scriptural duty to give generously and secretively to the poor.