Verses 1-4
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If you do good or serve people for the purpose of being seen or heard, those works won't mean anything to God. At all times, simply focus on pleasing God, not pleasing or impressing people. If you are focused on pleasing God, the good works that people should see will be seen anyway (Matthew 5:16).
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For actions to be truly valuable, they must be done with the right motive.
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Don't praise yourself for what you do, don't act for your own advantage, don't draw attention to yourself, nor consider the rewards of what you're doing (“don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”). Good works should not only be a secret to others, but also a secret to yourself. Don't think of your good works as "charitable deeds" that will bring you reward. Just be content with loving others and glorifying God.
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Don't do anything to be seen or validated by people, whether in this life or the next (Matthew 23:5). Otherwise, you have no reward.
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Verses 5-15
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Prayer is commanded. Do pray!
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But when you pray, don't try to make your prayers seen by people. Don't try to pray openly, loudly, or sound spiritual. This kind of prayer is worthless.
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Whether it's good works or prayer, if you do it to be seen by people, praise from people is the only reward you'll get.
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Instead, when you take prayer time for yourself, pray in private, and pray sincerely—from your heart. Don't recite prayers that don't come from your heart.
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Your prayers should include:
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Praise and gratitude to God
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Acknowledgement of God's will
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Requests for your needs to be met
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Forgiveness of others (you must forgive, or your prayers will be hindered)
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Requests for help in overcoming evil
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This is not to be recited exactly; it stands as a framework to remind you of the kinds of things to pray for.
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Some wonder, why should I ask God for what I need in prayer if He already knows what I need? Two reasons: Firstly, some things we are only given because we ask. If you don't ask, you won't receive as much (James 4:2b). Secondly, asking God for even basic needs keeps you focused on the fact that He is your provider. If you don't pray for your needs, you are demonstrating that you aren't believing in God for those needs to be met.
Verses 16-18
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Practice fasting regularly! Fasting is a great thing to do.
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But when you fast, do your best to keep it private, and be joyful while you fast. Don't talk about being hungry in front of people, and definitely don't complain or look solemn. Otherwise, the spiritual benefits of fasting will be lessened at best, and at worst prevented.
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It's ok to say you're fasting if someone asks why you're not eating.
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*Overall, don't do what Scripture says to get something for yourself—whether it be praise from people or personal growth. Simply obey, and don't expect anything in return. Act out of love for God and others.
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Yes, there will be a future reward from God for your good deeds, prayer, and fasting (if you're modest, humble, and selfless about your obedience to the Word). But don't focus on the reward; focus on being selfless! That's what's important!
Verses 19-21
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Don't focus your efforts on accumulating worldly wealth merely for your own personal gain. This kind of wealth will all be destroyed by fire in the end.
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Instead, focus your efforts on winning souls to the kingdom of God (getting people saved!). Why?
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Human spirits are the only thing that will not be destroyed in the end (see 1 Corinthians 3:13-15). Therefore, people are the most valuable treasure, which can be stored up in heaven (as names written in heaven).
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Verse 21. If you put your efforts and resources into getting people closer to Jesus, your heart will be with Jesus.
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Remember that how you use your time and money shows where you heart is at. If you want to correct your heart, change your focus to what's truly important!
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Verses 22-23
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What you focus on will determine your quality of life.
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If you want your life to be godly, correct your focus. Meditate on the Word and pray always to correct your focus.
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Also, what you look at with your eyes enters your brain and heart, which, powered by your spirit, are thus affected by light or darkness. So, if your body is full of energy and positivity from the kingdom, you are using your eyes well. But if you lack these things, you are not using your eyes well! Be careful what you look at!
Verses 24-34
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Worrying about money and worldly things is the same as serving money. So you can't serve God if you're worrying all the time.
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Worry never helps.
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Instead, focus on honoring and obeying God with your life and resources, and then you'll have everything you need and more. God will take care of you!