We live in a society where we are told that our achievements in the public eye are what we should strive for, as if it were desperately important and coveted to have trophies, be on the winning team, to be on the top of the podium, have a higher education, and that this is the most important thing in life.

I have known a few high climbers, wealthy people, high achievers, and none are the image that the public see.

A famous saying is, ‘But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing’ meaning give, help others, and then forget it as soon as you do it, Don’t accept or desire praise for your good deeds, or else you won’t do them from a good character, but rather you will become insecure and believe that other people’s praise is your true worth.

You are truly a strong soul when you do things for other people and you don’t desire any recognition for what you have done, all you seek is to see others better off because you helped them.

Another saying is, ‘So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by people.’

This means that when you do a good deed keep it to yourself, or just between you and the person who you help, it is no one else’s business.

A good, mature, strong character is a person who helps those who are weaker, poorer, the widows, the needy, and seek no attention for helping them. Our real character is standing strong, alone, and being the best person that we can be. This is where self respect and self love come from.

When you see someone do something nice for others and not want attention you admire that person and see that person as a person who has a good character. If you give to others, to the poor, needy, helpless, and you don’t seek attention then you will love yourself and have self respect because your heart, actions and life are genuine, you have a good character, you know that what you do is for othes who ned help and not for self recognition.

All the best from
James M Sandbrook.
1-4-2021.