from Matt 5 -

You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

to be balanced out with...

chp 6 - 

Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them... So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  But 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.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you... When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen... do not be like them (the pagans), for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Our LIGHT - what results in praise of our Father - is not to be hidden.  God sees all and knows all, so anything that doesn't result in bringing Him praise doesn't need to be known and seen by anyone else.  It will result in praise for ourselves, but that's something we should be content to find in God alone - after all, 

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God?  or am I trying to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. (in Gal 1)

I am always TRYING to win the approval of someone - who is it?  

Whose servant am I?  Does my life really align with what I say?



How can I win His approval?

You did not choose me, 
but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - 
fruit that will last.  
Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  
This is my command: Love each other.

(John 15:16-17)