Anonymity & Generosity

Many times I have encountered people who boast about how generous they are with their money or their time. Sometimes I've probably done the same thing, even though it bugs me to no end. While trying to appear humble, or good, by recounting all the wonderful, selfless things they've done, when someone boast about something it counteracts the 'selflessness' they were trying to achieve. Basically, if it were truly a selfless act, they would do it anonymously. By seeking recognition or admiration of others, they are seeking a reward. And doing something in order to gain a reward isn't really selfless or generous, as it only serves to puff up the ego of the 'do-gooder'.

Good deeds should be done simply for the purpose of doing what is good or right, not for self-gain. As Christians, we believe that God will reward us in heaven for what we do here on Earth. And while that is the case, Jesus has reminded us that we need to have our hearts in the right place. 

In Matthew 6:1 - 4 (NCV) it says:

"Be careful! When you do good things, don't do them in front of people to be seen by them. If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

"When you give to the poor, don't be like the hypocrites. They blow trumpets in the synagogues and on the streets so that people will see them and honor them. I tell you the truth, those hypocrites already have their full reward. So when you give to the poor, don't let anyone know what you are doing. Your giving should be done in secret. Your Father can see what is done in secret, and he will reward you."

Now, you might say, this passage still mentions rewarding people for doing good, so how can doing good be selfless then? Here's the deal: people are generally wired to pursue immediate satisfaction and gratification. We want the benefits of our labour right away. While part of our motivation may be a reward from God, if someone does good only to get a reward, they'll likely give up when it doesn't show up right away. If someone does good because it is right, and they continue to do good things despite hardship or the lack of an immediate reward, their intentions are likely pure. You wouldn't stick it out that long for a reward when doing so can be very difficult at times (especially when you don't really know for certain what that reward will be or how long you'll be waiting for it).

I think being anonymous in giving, or failing to boast about good deeds, is what helps keep people humble. When people use good deeds to elevate their status or power, soon their pursuit will not be good things but rather how to continue to build themselves up. They'll be corrupted by that pursuit. It's hard because in being humble you may feel unappreciated, or even like you're being taken advantage of. But keep your focus on what it is you are trying to achieve. Look at the fruits of your labour - let what you are accomplishing be your motivation, not recognition. Many times the reward we receive is how we and others are changed (for the better) as we continually humble ourselves, and the peace that comes with doing what is right.

Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death.  Proverbs 10:2 (NIV)