Faith is followed by works unto salvation

The very first sentence here says about the outward appearances being very modest and forsaking worldly activities are works of self-righteous.  They are self-righteous because anyone in public who sees the outward appearance do not see Jesus Christ but a religious order.  Jesus looks at the heart.  Faith alone is what is most important.  Works of using God given talents follow spiritual maturity and do not mean self-righteous works.  There are many God given gifts and talents that should be used for the growth of the body of Christ.  Those are gifts of missionaries, ministers, pastors, elders and deacons, prophesies, teachers, etc.  Any service activity that enhances the work of Christ is helpful for spiritual growth.  You look at the Pharisees and rulers of the law in Jesus time and see they based everything on the law and outward appearances.  So, faith with works is important; but, works should not be those outward appearances that indicates self-righteousness.  God abhors a ‘Holier than thou attitude’.