What people say in public and what they do in private can differ. Let’s help others all the time.

Volunteering in your community might not make headlines. But your actions will help others in need. (Photo by Halfpoint Images/Getty Stock photo)

Growing up, I had a middle school and high school teacher who used to always talk about what really mattered was what we did when no one was looking. He said we could talk the talk, but he asked if we could walk the walk.

That hit home for me. In a world where words and actions aren’t measuring up, I think we need to hit the refresh button on doing the right thing when we think no one is noticing.

I often do gift card drives for a local nonprofit. Their administrative offices are way out in North Topeka, and it’s not easy getting there. Their office is windowless, and it’s not on anyone’s great list of priorities to go there. That is, it’s not on the priority list unless you have to go.

However, about twice a year I make the trek over the Kansas River to the office to deliver gift cards. There aren’t fairies lining the Topeka Boulevard Bridge to cheer me on as I drive my little Toyota Corolla to my destination.

When I pull up into the parking lot, I often think to myself, No one knows how much I do for this organization. I open the door to the offices and go to the front desk. I hand over gift cards for the vulnerable, poverty-stricken clients. Chipotle gift cards, Subway gift cards and McDonald’s gift cards were the latest donations from my good friends Margie and Larry, who care so much for this nonprofit because of what I have shared.

The ladies at the front desk exclaim how happy they are with my donation. It truly makes me happy too.

When we do things to help others, we may not receive a standing ovation. It may not go onto a resume or a bio. Some politicians want to broadcast their every good deed, but then on the other hand they do not-so-good things. That is where my faith comes in and tells me what my grandpa, a minister, used to tell me: “Stay on the road.”

Are we who we say we are? Are our actions and words aligning with the admonition: “Stay on the road”? Who are we living for? Are we trying to get the praise of the people, or are we doing kind things for people in secret when no one is looking?

I would love to see more people with a humble spirit.

There are some leaders, including some pastors in America, who seem to want to have a huge cheering section along with a huge house and fancy cars to make themselves feel good. I am reminded of the Christian singer-songwriter Rich Mullins, who gave away his money and lived with very little in order to serve the poor. Most Christian singer-songwriters don’t do that, and they live lavish lifestyles. Rich was different. I truly admire that.

I’m going to keep on doing good things for people in need. I may receive praise or I may not. I’m going to keep on praying for this nation that I love so dearly. I will pray in secret and I will join others in public. I’m not about to give up yet. I want the things I do and say in private to match what I say in public.

I hope we all learn to do that a little more each day.