Based on this verse, my pastor, Kevin Looper, suggested having a "secret life of righteousness." Here is an excerpt from his Oct. 19, 2025 sermon:

"In one of my dad's [Shane Looper's] sermons a few years ago, he said something that really struck me. He said that that everyone has a secret life and that if you don't have a secret life of righteousness, then you're sure to have a secret life of sin. And what I found is that the best way to destroy a secret life of sin after confessing and repenting of it is to develop a secret life of righteousness. And so Paul's last comment that good deeds are obvious, but even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever. That should encourage us when we choose to walk in integrity rather than taking crooked ways. It won't be in vain whether people notice it or not. You know, some people, they are honored and rewarded for their work here on earth. And others are not honored and they're not noticed until they reach the judgment seat and then they receive the reward which is better by far. You know, keep doing keep doing what is good whether people notice it or honor you or not. Seek the praise that comes from God, not from people. Jesus told us that when we practice our righteousness in secret, then your father who sees what is done in secret will reward you (Matthew 6:4)."