Catching Idle Butterflies

Look at all my good deeds! Ain�t I a peach?

I don’t much care for the anti-smoking group calling themselves “The Truth”, but I have to admit, they do put out some good commercials.

After catching up on my Disciple lesson, I read a scriptural passage that reminded me of one of their commercials I have only seen once, but one where they made a poignant point, and even biblical point.

Most of their commercials entail members walking the streets of a busy metropolis either holding signs or “interviewing” passersby.

This particular commercial had about six people performing small acts of kindness. For example one person placed coin in a parking meter. No big deal, right? But then this person screamed, “Look what I did! I just put money in this parking meter so this person won’t get a ticket!”

Another person helped an old lady across the street and also yelled so everyone within earshot knew what good deed they performed.

Their point? At the end, the camera focused on a man who said (paraphrased), “No one likes it when others brag about their good deeds, but the tobacco companies release commercials telling everyone all the charities they contribute millions of dollars to.”

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“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” Mt 6:2