One of the most important spiritual principles is that every laborer is worthy of his/her reward. When our work agrees with universal laws, it becomes fruitful and successful. Jesus clearly pointed this out in his teaching on prayer:

But you, when you pray, enter into your room. And shutting your door, pray to your Father in secret; and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.
Matthew 6:6

Again, we see the contrast:

- those who seek public attention, receive it - but it is their only benefit;

- those who seek the Presence of God "in the secret place", are liberally rewarded.

Let us not draw attention to ourselves. It is much better to be recognized by "open", public demonstration of our spirituality. "The tree is known by its fruit" (Matthew 12:33), said Jesus. Only practical results determine spiritual quality and effectiveness of our prayers. Nothing will ever substitute for lack of visible, tangible results.

This fact is clearly expressed by Emmet Fox in his book, "The Sermon on the Mount":

"If man really were left without a simple practical test of religious truth, he would assuredly be in a sad plight; but happily this is not the case. Jesus, the most profound, and at the same time the most simple and practical teacher the world has ever known, has provided for this need, and has given us an utterly simple and universally applicable test for Truth. It is a test that any man or woman of any kind, anywhere, can easily apply for himself. It is as simple and direct as the acid test for gold. It is the simple question - does it work?

"Truth always works. Truth heals the body, purifies the soul, reforms the sinner, solves difficulties, pacifies strife. From this it follows that, according to Jesus, teaching that is true will automatically prove itself by practical demonstration... False teaching, on the contrary, no matter how attractively it may be presented, no matter what social or academic prestige may be attached to it, will fail to do all or any of these things".

Our positive demonstrations are meant to be as bright as the light shining in darkness, the light which cannot be hidden.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.
Matthew 5:16

Here we see the same message, expressed in different words. Others will recognize the greatness and the truthfulness of our spiritual principles (glorify our Father in Heaven) not because of our persuading speeches, but because of who we are, because of radiance and glory of our lives - something which often cannot be adequately expressed and described.

When we come to "good works", it is important to understand that they imply more than morally accepted and kind behavior. We are looking for greater than this. Someone defined most religion as "mild-mannered attempts to persuade mild-mannered people to become more mild-mannered". This could be true concerning a religion about Jesus, but not the religion of Jesus.

The teaching of Jesus is the challenge to those who has ears to hear. It is the challenge to master ourselves and our world, to live by faith, and in so doing, transcend common standards and expectations. It is the challenge to be creative and to excel ourselves in the things which we are called to do. It is the challenge to live "more abundant life".

If prayers are taken too lightly and superficially, if they are repeated without sufficient mental and spiritual work behind them, they are of little value. The full power of prayers is experienced by those who are willing to invest into them. The Father who sees in secret rewards such people openly.