Self-Promotion

Matthew 6:1-4 - Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

I think these are very important verses. I also think this applies to getting tax breaks for donations. Though I can see a purpose to that, I think not bragging about it, and doing it in secret where no one knows except God is best. Then, for sure the reward will not come from man, as though we were trying to please them, because they won't even know about it.

Sometimes I think this might be harder than others, like when a person donates hair. Friends and family will probably notice, and one shouldn't lie about why it was cut. I think, however, in that instance it isn't bragging, as long as someone has asked about it first.

So, don't make any donation in public to be witnessed and praised by many, and certainly don't brag about it, but don't lie about it. If asked about it, tell the truth, but do so humbly.