Bragging About Good Deeds

People in general but especially Christians have a knack at casually mentioning our good deeds while trying not to sound too prideful.  The bible tells us to be careful not to perform them in front of people and to not blow trumpets and we would never do that! Psh, blowing a trumpet every time I do something good? That's so "look at me!"

No, I wouldn't ever do anything so hypocritical. I wouldn't ever let people actually see what I do.  But God never said anything about social media, right? He never said that I couldn't post my good deeds on Facebook or Twitter! I can announce that I'm fasting but I put oil on my head and washed my face, so I'm cool. Besides, I wouldn't be bragging about it, I would just be keeping people up to date with what's going on in my life. I can't help it if what I'm doing just happens to be a good deed.  Besides, maybe it will even inspire people and that would be a good thing. I will be shining my light, yeah, that's it!

The truth is, we do this  because we feel proud about what we're doing and we want everyone to know how awesome we are.  We think God is looking down at us, smiling and nodding and giving us the thumbs up and we want everyone to know it! By doing this we can make non-christians feel like heathens while simultaneously making Christians feel guilty and ourselves feel superior. It's a win-win!

I think it should be mandatory to add a tag to our social media posts which adds an element of truth to our status and tweet.

What's on your mind:  "volunteered at a battered woman's shelter, donated food to the food bank and helped an old woman carry her groceries."  "My heaven stock just went through the roof, yo! Word to the Father!"

What's happening? "Just boarded the plane to Africa where I will spend the next 3 weeks sleeping on a dirt floor and eating insects."  "Enjoy your pillow top mattress and lobster tail in hell, kids!"

At least that would be truthful.  We'd never admit it but what we really want is for people to think we are a better person than they are. I'm changing the world while you're sitting on the couch changing the channel.   "I'm a better person, I'm a superior Christian,  I care more about the poor than you do, I'm more obedient therefore I have favor with the Lord and you don't.  Neener, neener!"

Have you ever bragged about your good deeds via social media? Leave me a comment. I'll do my best to respond but I do have to deliver meals on wheels today, send in the check for the child I sponsor in Mozambique and take my blind mother-in-law to the grocery store.