Should we keep a record of our good deeds?

Should we keep a record of our good deeds?

Jesus was very emphatic about doing things to be noticed; keeping a record of them we need to make sure it's not to show later so accolades can be directed to us.  Detailing some work of ministry in order to set an example is ok if it will help to inspire neophytes but not to get pats on the back.

But take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.  When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win the praise of others.  Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.  But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret.   And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.  (Mt 6: 1 - 4).

St. Paul boasting about his labors:  Are they ministers of Christ?  (I am talking like an insane person.)  I am still more, with far greater imprisonments, far worse beatings, and numerous brushes with death.  Five times at the hands of the Jews I received forty lashes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I passed a night and a day on the deep; on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many sleepless nights, through cold and exposure.  And apart from these things, there is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches.  Who is weak, and I am not weak?  Who is led to sin, and I am not indignant?  If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.  The God and Father of the Lord Jesus knows, he who is blessed forever, that I do not lie.  I must boast; not that it is profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.  Although if I should wish to boast, I would be foolish, for I would be telling the truth.  But I refrain, so that no one may think more of me than what he sees in me or hears from me because of the abundance of the revelations .  Therefore, so that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me. An angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.  Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”  (2 Cor 11: 23 - 29; 12: 1, 6 - 9).  

Paul was boasting, but in such a way that no one would dare to follow what he did by suffering for his Lord Jesus Christ.  This narrative sets an example that to suffer in the smallest manner like Paul did certainly will make our ministry one to be admired and a choice of following in the same weakness and finding strength through gaining perfection.

Ralph B. Hathaway