26 January 2016
The Truth about Bragging
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Bragging is unbecoming. And bragging before God is ridiculous! Everyone is uncomfortable around a person making herself sound good. It makes for awkward conversation. I’ve noticed that typical braggers are actually the most insecure people on the planet. It’s sad.
Because I’m a Believer, I don’t need to puff myself up to anyone. I certainly don’t need to brag about all I’ve done to God; I know there is nothing I’ve done or could have done to deserve his love. Clearly, salvation is just a gift from him and not a reward for me (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Bragging would be useless and embarrassing.
There’s also no reason to brag on myself to other people either. Because of all that God has done for me, I realize every day that he loves me and accepts me and helps me even when I don’t deserve it, if I do says so myself! (See 1 Timothy 1:14-16*) It leaves very little to brag about and makes me incredibly secure in his love. I don’t need to brag to try and gain some sort of acceptance because I’m already accepted. I don’t need to talk myself or anyone into thinking I’m great and wonderful. I know the truth: I’m neither great nor wonderful, but Jesus loves me anyway! And he is simply displaying his immense patience through me as an example for those who would believe*. That’s what’s really going on.
If there is anything great going on with me, it’s only because Jesus is in my heart and God is working in me (See Philippians 2:13). Credit is for the One to whom credit is due, and that ain’t me! And it certainly shouldn’t come from me. If I’m going to brag, it’s going to be about how much I am loved by God and what he’s done for me through his Son, Jesus. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).”
Verses related to bragging:
Luke 17:9-10
And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’
Proverbs 27:1-2
Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips.
Jeremiah 9:23
Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.
Dear God,
Thank you for all you’ve done for me! I’m especially grateful for your acceptance of me and love for me that is so huge that I don’t need to try and get it from other people by making myself sound good. You know the truth and you love me anyway, and I just can’t thank you enough. I really enjoy the security of your love and praise you in Jesus’ name, amen.
The Truth about Bragging
James 4:10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Bragging is unbecoming. And bragging before God is ridiculous! Everyone is uncomfortable around a person making herself sound good. It makes for awkward conversation. I’ve noticed that typical braggers are actually the most insecure people on the planet. It’s sad.
Because I’m a Believer, I don’t need to puff myself up to anyone. I certainly don’t need to brag about all I’ve done to God; I know there is nothing I’ve done or could have done to deserve his love. Clearly, salvation is just a gift from him and not a reward for me (see Ephesians 2:8-9). Bragging would be useless and embarrassing.
There’s also no reason to brag on myself to other people either. Because of all that God has done for me, I realize every day that he loves me and accepts me and helps me even when I don’t deserve it, if I do says so myself! (See 1 Timothy 1:14-16*) It leaves very little to brag about and makes me incredibly secure in his love. I don’t need to brag to try and gain some sort of acceptance because I’m already accepted. I don’t need to talk myself or anyone into thinking I’m great and wonderful. I know the truth: I’m neither great nor wonderful, but Jesus loves me anyway! And he is simply displaying his immense patience through me as an example for those who would believe*. That’s what’s really going on.
If there is anything great going on with me, it’s only because Jesus is in my heart and God is working in me (See Philippians 2:13). Credit is for the One to whom credit is due, and that ain’t me! And it certainly shouldn’t come from me. If I’m going to brag, it’s going to be about how much I am loved by God and what he’s done for me through his Son, Jesus. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31).”
Verses related to bragging:
Luke 17:9-10
And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not. In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’
Proverbs 27:1-2
Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips.
Jeremiah 9:23
Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.
Dear God,
Thank you for all you’ve done for me! I’m especially grateful for your acceptance of me and love for me that is so huge that I don’t need to try and get it from other people by making myself sound good. You know the truth and you love me anyway, and I just can’t thank you enough. I really enjoy the security of your love and praise you in Jesus’ name, amen.
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