“When you give to the poor, don’t announce it and make a show of it just to be seen by people, like the hypocrites in the streets and in the marketplace. (Matthew 6:2 TPT)
Spendy people are often confused with those who are wealthy. In my experience, those who are truly wealthy rarely flaunt it. Instead, they are thoughtful and prudent with their assets. Those who use money as a tool to gain admiration or maintain an image usually have the trappings of wealth, but fewer real assets.
Similarly, egoists can sometimes be confused as altruists. An egoist is a person who is preoccupied with his own interests. An altruist, on the other hand, puts the needs of others ahead of his own. Not everyone who appears generous is charitable. Egoists can be generous in situations where they have something to gain--perhaps they are seeking influence or admiration from others. They may purchase lavish gifts or make grand gestures, but they make sure everyone notices. Altruists are the opposite; they are truly devoted to the welfare of others. These are the people who donate their money, time, and talent anonymously to those from whom they have nothing to gain. They are not obsessed with status or importance, so they often go unnoticed. Jesus taught His followers to give secretly. Thus, let us make sure that our generosity is motivated by true charity and that we practice giving selflessly and covertly.
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