If you are worried about optics of faith, you might not know faith.
I guess that was James’ problem, huh? Y’know, Mr. “Show Me Your Faith” himself.
But seriously, that’s the typical response of the faithless... “God knows my heart. I don’t have to prove my faith to anybody!”
Not even to themselves nor to God, apparently, since they won’t obey Him. They expect God to take it on faith or something.
I hope that’s not your attitude.