I used to hang out with a friend who is pretty vocal about their love for Jesus and involvement in their church and community. This is not a bad thing, at all. I just think we “undo” a lot of good we do, when we talk/boast or brag about it.
So one night I was at dinner with some people and this person began talking about the money they had given to “help a lot of others” and I started feeling uncomfortable. Queasy, in fact.
Everyone at the table began saying, “Oh, you’re such a good person. That was so generous! Wow, I can’t believe you would do all of that!” Again. What this person did was extremely kind and generous. But the boasting about it part just made me feel icky. Because rather than all of the glory going to God for answering the prayers of those in need; praise was being heaped onto this person for being such the “generous giver.”
Please do not get me wrong. I believe we should all be looking for ways and opportunities to give and help those around us, those in need, those in our community, our church, etc. I just do not believe we should talk about it.
As I watched this person and listened to them talk, I noticed the more money they made, the more we all heard about it. The more jokes were told about the new cars, the houses, the trips, etc. Again, please know, I will never fault someone for being wealthy, nor do I believe charitable giving should be forced.
However.
I do not believe we should ever brag about good deeds. In fact, I don’t ever want people to know about what you or I have done. My belief is giving should be done quietly, and when we give, we should give with a grateful heart, thanking God for whatever He has given us, to give to someone else. It irks me to no end when someone posts on social media a receipt with a big tip, or makes a video of them talking about how they “blessed” someone with their generosity, or paid for the person behind them in line.
Don’t post or boast about it, just do it!
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” - Matthew 6:1-4 (NLT)
I was so disappointed as I watched this person changing as they began to make more and more money. While I think it is wonderful they are giving to their church and helping others, I think it would be even more wonderful if no one knew about it. There is an abundance of humility in doing the right thing without trying to be “right” about it.
And let us not forget, Papa sees everything, and this is all we should care about when it comes to who sees us give to others. In this selfie, self-absorbed society, let’s be the ones who boast about Jesus, and how much He gave to us.
P.S. The only thing I think we should be allowed to brag about giving away, is when my beloved Tennessee VOLS GIVE a win to Alabama. Then, we should brag, boast, post all about it! Because clearly, those are extremely generous "gives" and you should allow me that moment to brag. (Please don't rain on my parade, here. All of those many, many wins by Alabama have been gifts we gave to them. By now, it's time for Alabama to be generous to us, and give us a few. Don't you think?)