According to a study published in Psychological Science, people who buy “green” cleaning products, rather than traditional ones, have a higher propensity to cheat or lie following their purchase.
Did you get that? People who “do good things,” even as small as buying products better for the environment, are likely to “do bad things” immediately after.
My friend Dr. Krista Casler, a psychologist and professor at F&M, sent me this research after reading an advanced reader copy of The Spiritual Danger of Doing Good. Apparently, there is a growing body of literature in behavioral economics that explores the science behind why do-gooders so easily get messed up.
It seems we tend to have a running balance in our minds – and we use good acts to justify bad behavior.
Perhaps this is why we regularly hear stories of leaders of ministries and missions who are caught stealing funds, or cheating, or worse. But in light of this research, it makes sense. They’ve earned the right to have a little time off from being good, right?
But an attitude of “I deserve” entitlement is morally toxic.
Several friends shared how their greatest moral failures came on the heels of their greatest ministry successes. Immediately following their largest outreach events, they’ve made mistakes that could destroy all they’ve worked to build.
What are the ways to safeguard against rationalizing moral lapses?
- Throw away the scale – All our good works are never good enough. The core of the Gospel is we are sinners saved by grace. Period. So let’s not be overly impressed by the good we do.
- Increase your sensitivity – If you ever recognize yourself mentally saying, “Because I’ve done all this, I deserve …” – then you are on a road in the wrong direction. Resist toxic spiritual entitlement.
- Invite friends on your journey – Ask those who know you well enough to call you out when you’re making minor compromises. We have an incredible ability for self-deception and need people to point out this silliness of our mental gymnastics.
Let’s never tire of doing good, but be careful it doesn’t bring us to a place of pride or entitlement.
