By Dorette Saunders
Ever been in a situation where someone began bragging? Perhaps it was about the car they drove, or the education they received, or even the social standing of their family. What do you do in situations like that? Do you pull out your own bragging ammunition or remain quiet knowing you can never equal or surpass the speaker?
The Bible has an answer. The apostle Paul concedes that we need not play the one-upmanship game. Yet, we can take heart that we do have a lot to brag about. And here’s how to put it in perspective.
“You are God's children. He sent Christ Jesus to save us and to make us wise, acceptable, and holy. So if you want to brag, do what the Scriptures say and brag about the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:30-31, CEV).
Yes, go ahead and tell what the Lord has done for you. The psalmist says to sing the Lord’s praises.
“You should praise the Lord
for his love
and for the wonderful things
he does for all of us.”
(Psalm 107:31, CEV)
When you think of how undeserving we are of God’s goodness and mercy, “bragging” on God should be a natural response. While the Word of God cautions us not to be proud, especially in relation to worldly things, we are encouraged to bless the Lord, to tell of God’s goodness, to extol his name, to honor and worship him for who God is and what God does. And, to tell others about him.
Here’s what God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah:
If you feel you must brag,
then have enough sense
to brag about worshiping me,
the Lord.
What I like best
is showing kindness,
justice, and mercy
to everyone on earth.
(Jeremiah 9:24, CEV)
There it is! Aren’t we all beneficiaries of God’s kindness, justice, and mercy? Surely, as God’s beloved children, we should be imitators of God (Ephesians 5:1) and pray that we, too, will be kind, just, and merciful.
After all, as believers who have placed our trust in Jesus, God’s Son, we have been granted a unique role. The Scriptures tell us:
“… you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things he has done (1 Peter 2:9, CEV).
Thank God for “his marvelous light”!
Now you must tell…
It’s time to tell the world about the goodness of God. Time to share the hope, peace, joy, and love that comes from our heavenly Father through his Son, Jesus Christ. It’s time to remind ourselves that we are journeying through this world, but our visa is not permanent. Jesus, our Lord, is coming back to take us to be with him in heaven.
Now that’s something to brag about!
PRAYER: Emmanuel! You Lord, are always with us. We have so much to tell about your kindness to us. We praise you for your constant love and your mercy which is renewed daily. Our praise comes from hearts that are grateful and lips that delight in honoring you. Thank you! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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