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Ever met someone that was the most enthusiastic member of their own fan club? They praise themselves for things only God deserves praise for.
If He gave you all these amazing attributes, shouldn’t He get the glory?
Sometimes, we let other people’s praise of what we do or how we act go to our heads, and we forget that God made us into the person we are today—the person so many people know and love.
With our social media-obsessed world, it's super easy for narcissists all over the world to put their self- love on display. Unfortunately, boastfulness has, like an infectious disease, spread through the church.
That's why I’ve compiled a short list of scriptures to keep us humble.
1. Philippians 3:3 (NIV)- “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh.”
Just as the Jews had to realize that circumcision and other works of their hands were no longer required for them to receive God’s mercy, you have to be aware that you are not righteous due to the works you perform. Jesus is the only way into the Kingdom of Heaven; without belief in Him, you are lost. Keeping that in mind will prevent arrogance and self-righteousness from taking over.
2. 2 Corinthians 10:18 (NIV)- “But, ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.”
Realize that whatever you do, you do unto the Lord (Colossians 3:17), and that the awesome things you do are a result of the power working within you, which is the power of the Holy Spirit. Without Him you are nothing.
3. Romans 12:3 (NLT)- “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
Humility is not saying that we are nothing; it is saying that we are nothing without God. Just know where the glory belongs.
4. 1 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)- “For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?”
All your gifts, talents, qualities— everything that makes you stand out in the world comes from God. So rather than taking pride in the fact that you are able to do such amazing things, glory in the fact that God favored you to do such amazing things, that the world might see your works and worship Him (Matthew 5:16).
5. Proverbs 18:12 (NLT)- “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.”
When we get too enamored with our God-given gifts and believe that we made it to where we are on our own, we self-destruct. When we become prideful, we fall away from God’s grace, because pride says I can do it on my own. Grace says I can’t do it without God.
Boast in the Lord, and be proud of your dependence on Him. Stay humble and you will be honored. And the next time you feel like patting yourself on the back and declaring, "She did that!" quickly correct yourself and say "He did that!"
Glorify the Lord in all things.
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