Bragging Rights?

And let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.  Galatians 6:9-10

As Christians, we know our lives should be characterized by good deeds, because the love we show to our Christian brothers and sisters and others is a primary test of our love for God. But is there ever a time when we have "bragging rights" for how well we think we are caring for others in need, either individually or as a church body?  I think not.  Here are a few reasons why:

1.  For every time we have done a good deed, there have been other times when we've failed to minister to others in their time of need.  The reasons could include the following:  we have misplaced priorities, we do not love our neighbors as ourselves, we are guilty of the sin of making individual distinctions (as described in James 2), or we simply lack thoughtfulness.  And on the flip side, even if we are faithful in doing good deeds, our motives are sometimes tainted by sin, e.g. serving out of a sense of obligation or in an attempt to make a good impression.


2.  We must guard against becoming prideful.  God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6).  And we are instructed to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3). 


3.  Our good works are empowered by the Holy Spirit as evidences of our salvation; we have no reason to boast but in the Lord and what he is doing in us and through us.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10