The latest media hype: Taylor Swift Donates a total of $2 million total to charities.
So, my question is: does anyone besides me have problems with people who take selfies or make videos of themselves (or even alert the media) while doing good deeds, making sure everyone knows what they did and how much money they donated?
We see that so often in our society today and it really bothers me. It’s one thing for us to donate or give willingly and selflessly to fill a need from the kindness of our heart; but it’s quite another to seek adoration by shouting it from the proverbial rooftops while doing it!
Good deeds are something we do “from the heart”; they are between us and God. Their purpose is NOT to put the spotlight on ourselves; rather, to bless the receiver, thus giving glory to ADONAI.
As a matter of fact, Scripture warns us against bragging while doing good deeds. Contrary to what some pastors teach, here is what Yeshua taught:
Matthew 6:1 “Beware of doing your kind deeds before men, in order to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in the heavens. 2 “Thus, when you do a kind deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do, in the congregations and in the streets, to be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 “But when you do a kind deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your kind deed shall be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret shall Himself reward you openly. (ISR)
In other words, it's NOT a good idea for givers to receive public recognition for parting with their cash!
Anyone who has studied the Bible knows that biblical principles of giving emphasize the act as a joyful, worshipful, and sacrificial performance done cheerfully and discreetly - not grudgingly, and for the right reasons (meaning, for God's glory or helping others).
God blesses those who sow bountifully, providing for needs and inspiring faith, while focusing on HIM as the ultimate receiver - not human praise. We are to give because we WANT to help others, NOT to turn our giving into a publicity stunt.
ADONAI-ELOHIM knows what we’ve done, and nothing else matters!
Proverbs 18:10 The name of Adonai is a strong tower; a righteous person runs to it and is raised high [above danger]. 11 The wealth of the rich is his fortified city, like a high wall, in his own imagination. (CJB)
(For what it’s worth, I’m GLAD to know that Taylor Swift shelled out two million dollars for good causes. I just don’t appreciate that she had made it all about HERSELF!
No comments:
Post a Comment
All comments are moderated.