I am sure that you have never done this, but I know you have experienced it from another. Consider the following scenarios and see if you have ever been in one of them.
You are having a conversation about something/anything when the other person suddenly turns the conversation onto themselves – how good they are – how well they did something. You experienced something wonderful, and you want to share it with a friend when the other person suddenly turns the conversation onto themselves – how much better they have done – how much grander their accomplishments were. You went through a struggle or painful situation, and you want to share it (for comfort or to ask for prayer) when the other person suddenly turns the conversation onto themselves – how much worse their trials have been – how your situation does not compare to what they have faced.
Why do people (and yes, you and I) think that we have to make ourselves look better than we are or better than others are?
Why can we not remember the wisdom found in Proverbs 27:2: “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth – a stranger, and not your own lips.”
Why are we willing to make someone else’s joy or hurt seem smaller, so we can appear better?
You already know the answer, don’t you? It is pride. Most of us want to be seen in the best possible light even if it means hurting the heart of another. We do not care that someone else experienced joy or hurt; we do not want to give up the spotlight.
The Bible is pretty clear that this is not ok. James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” However, few of us want to be humble. We want the spotlight, and we are willing to boast about ourselves even though we are told in 2 Corinthians 10:17-28: “So let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.”
Wow! God does not approve the person who is putting himself/herself in the spotlight. God wants us to allow Him to take care of things – all things.
Yes, others will continue to boast, but we must not. We must let God be the one who blesses us. Besides, do you want the approval of other people more than you want the approval of God?
It is worth pondering.
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
Feature Image Created by Andy Oldham using FlatAi
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