Helping people has taken a different form in the world today, and I don't know if technology should take the blame for providing us with cameras, the internet, and different social platforms, or if it's just human nature to always put every little assistance they render out there for the world to see. It has become an ingrained habit for many, as they can't render the slightest help without having cameras rolling or people around to witness it; some even use it as content, claiming to be content creators.
It's a different case when these helps rendered are documented for future reference, especially when it has to do with an organization thing, but seeing people push these videos on different social apps pisses me off a lot, and the motive is clear: you just want to be seen as a well-respected person, which eventually doesn't happen because when your motive becomes public, you lose whatever respect you have earned.
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The pressure of being noticed or acknowledged as a good person in society seems like a big deal to many people, and the quickest way to make that happen is by publicizing every help they render. Nothing comes from the heart for them and they just want more recognition, followers, and probably likes. It's as bad as some people even staging this help to win people's heart and I ask why do we have to go to that length to seek recognition?
I won't say there isn't genuine help out there that comes from the heart, but many are self-driven. The givers definitely want something in exchange, because if not, why show the world what you did? You can just do it without a third party knowing, and that's the definition of true help for me.
An elderly woman in my neighborhood sent me a gratitude message through my wife, and she came home asking what I did. Honestly, I was reluctant to say it, but I had to because I know my woman is not to have a loose month, and she doesn't roll with people, so there is no way the story will become public.
This particular woman once thanked me in public, almost kneeling, and I felt embarrassed because people who saw it would have a hint that I actually did something for her. It would interest you to know that I always avoid her just to avoid her, thank you.
You will agree with me that many of those who have been helped and also have their faces on different videos aren't happy about it, but they really need that help and don't have a choice but to give their consent to be filmed.
Recently, I saw the video of a woman who denied an influencer into her shop. She said the only thing that would make her agree to talking to the guy was if they put the camera away, and because the guy wasn't ready to help without recording, he left the woman's shop, and it was really disappointing to know that a lot of people will choose not to help without snapping pictures or recording videos.
I am not condemning the act of people publicizing the help they rendered to others because it's their resources and they can do whatever they want with it, but there is this sense of satisfaction that comes with me helping someone without involving a third party. I feel like it's my tiny contribution to saving humanity, and it makes me happy despite keeping it to myself.
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My belief as a Christian is a big influence on my choice to help people without involving a third party, but with my religion aside, I think it's unfair to do to others what I wouldn't want them to do to me.
My friend invited me to his church, and I stepped out as a first-timer even though I made it clear that I also have my church. We were offered some items as gifts, and immediately I saw one of the ushers recording a video. I stepped out of there without the gift.
I was called back, but it's too late. My friend felt bad, but it doesn't concern me in any way. I hate my face appearing in magazines or videos for such reasons, so if I can't take it, I won't do it to others.
If the bible says in Matthew 6:4: "That thine alms may be in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." I wonder why many churches even publicize these things on their various social accounts.
In conclusion, the act of helping people has been mixed up with recognition and the desire to become people's favorite in this digital age. Sometimes, even when you don't want to publicize your help, it somehow finds its way to the internet, but defining our motive and how we react matters a lot. By embracing humility and secrecy with the help we render to others, we can create a more impactful and genuine culture of helping one another, which is the best for humanity and in the sight of God.