Scripture: Isaiah 58

Good works are unacceptable to God and unattractive to others when they are self-centered and hypocritical.

“Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure.” (v3)

“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like
a polluted garment.”(Isaiah 64:6) 

“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting
may be seen by others.” (Matthew 6:16)

“When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and the street corners, that they may be seen by others.” (Matthew 6:5)

“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.” (Matthew 6:2)

Good works are acceptable to God and attractive to others
when they are others-centered and worshipful.

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free . . . then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the Lord will guide you continually.” (v6,10-11)

“When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:17-18)

“When you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)

“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 6:3-4)