When you perform or offer charitable deeds, do you want everyone to know about it?

Which makes you feel better? Doing charitable deeds or making sure everyone knows it was you?

I’ve seen a description floating around, for a couple of years now, that talks about the “feeling” you can get when you do something for others. It’s being called the “helper’s high”. Scientists and psychologists say when we give gifts or help someone out of jam or other acts of “kindness”, the so-called “reward center” in our brains releases dopamine which gives us a happy and relaxed feeling.

If that’s true, and all indications are that is is, then the mere act of performing charitable deeds should be enough to satisfy. Announcing them to the world isn’t necessary…or even a good idea.

Ironically (to some) the Bible talked about this subject over 2,000 years ago. Inspired by God, the apostle Matthew wrote: “Take heed that you do no do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them.” God doesn’t have a problem with your “acts of kindness” being seen by men…He just doesn’t want that to be the reason you do them.

If you have a heart for helping others, and I hope you do, it’s good and much more rewarding to simply help. Don’t be concerned with whether anyone will know you did these things. Your Creator will know. Remember that “helper’s high” I mentioned…where dopamine is released in your brain’s “reward center”? Well, who do you think designed that? That’s not a silly lizard brain result of years of evolutionary processes. It’s coded into your DNA by God because He knows many ways to bring you joy.

So…what about you? Have you experienced the helper’s high lately? If so, please share how it made you feel by leaving a comment.

Stay tuned”