Is recognition for charity right?

Question

Is it really right to do good and then show off your works, shouldn't we be doing good anonymously because it needs to be done rather than for recognition?

Answer 1

No, you shouldn't do charity for recognition....charity is about doing something to help others, not yourself.  Just be happy for the less fortunate that are being helped....

Answer 2

Why is there something wrong with someone who volunteers in order to gain job experience or items for your portfolio or to see how nonprofits work or to make a difference regarding an issue that you're angry about? Why is volunteering done by people who want to remain anonymous and receive no recognition somehow better than people who may have different reasons for volunteering? As a person who manages people who volunteer for many different reasons, I can tell you that I don't really see one group as being better than another. As long as they are committed to doing the best job they can and following our policies as part of their service, I don't quibble about what their motivations might be.

Answer 3

If you are recognised by others YES!  

If you do it to announce to everyone what a great person you are ...NO!

Answer 4

Being charitable solely for the purpose of recognition, to flaunt how giving you are, certainly seems to clash morally to me. When it comes to spending your time volunteering (versus monetary contributions alone) in settings where you deal directly with people, like at a drop-in for homeless/at-risk youth, it seems to me that those kids will benefit more from someone who wants to help improve lives as opposed to someone who wants to improve their reputation.

However, when charity becomes a competition between the wealthy (i.e. "I'm better than you because I can afford to give more"), at least there's only more room for charities to benefit financially.

Answer 5

I prefer donating my time or other resources because there is a need, without seeking attention. However, I must admit that when someone says thanks, or if I'm recoginized for contributions, it reinforces my sense that I'm doing something good. Appreciation can help me continue working through the tougher times....when the work is grueling, not noticed, or slow to make a positive change. I also hesitate to judge other people who seem to seek out recognition; because this may not be self-aggrandizing behavior....it could be something like a challenge to others "I've donated, and you should too".  I realize that some people do seek out the recognition for their work because they like the attention, but as long as the work gets done I don't pay much attention to this behavior.

Answer 6

Well, I think its ok if your showing off your work to get others interested or to show that something is working.  In my opinion it's not good if someone tells you just so they feel better about it.  Unfortunately, that happens a lot but I look at it this way at least they are helping.  So if they need the pat on the back I usually give it to them.

Answer 7

Does recognition really matter when the charity is benefitting from it?  I'm not going to denouce someone's actions when they are actually doing SOMETHING, ANYTHING.  How many people out there are not doing anything to help?  So what if the person wants a little recognition for the hard work that they've done or for the generous gift they've donated?  Here's the thing...these people DON'T have to donate their time and rich people DON'T have to donate their money.  I coordinate several charity events and I know how hard it is to get volunteers...so I'll take all the help I can get....I'm not saying it's right, but I am saying I don't care :)

Answer 8

it depends on the intention.. if you're showing off your works so that people will recognize you as great, that is not good.. but if you show your good works to inspire others and tell them they can also do it, it's the best.. it was believed that doing good should be done anonymously.. well it still applies to some situations.. but sometimes, you need to let people know.. like if you would like to get sponsors, volunteers, etc.. also, receiving recognitions for something good you've done is not bad.. just redirect the recognition to God who should be the one glorified..