We must Recognize Subtle Temptations to Boast and Brag

          We are all tempted to do it: name-dropping, event-dropping, accomplishment-dropping. We do it build ourselves up in the eyes of others. It is all self-defeating, however. Self-praise cheapens us in the eyes of others; in fact, we are shouting our insecurities and our pride to the world. Instead, we must receive our condidence and self-worth from God alone, knowing how precious we are to Him. Then, resting in His knowledge of us and in our acceptance by Him, we can avoid boasting, except in Him.

Praise the Lord that we already are significant in His eyes and do not have to brag: “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence” (Psalm 31:19-20).

Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him: “You will cleanse me from all my iniquity by which I have sinned against You, and You will pardon all my iniquities by which I have sinned and by which I have transgressed against You” (personalized from Jeremiah 33:8).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. As you agree with God’s will, voice your affirmation of His Word: “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Greater sensitivity to sin,
• The effective ministry of your church,
• Humility in speech and action.

Now close with a thankful prayer to the Lord, who knows all of our strengths and weaknesses, and meditate on these words of Christ: ‘Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls…apart from the Father’s will…Do not fear, therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2). “With God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).