Few things are as unpleasant as a braggart. No one likes to listen to someone blow their own horn! Yet the truth is, we can all be tempted to pronounce to others what we have accomplished. It can seem immensely satisfying when those around us recognize our stellar achievements. But when we find ourselves boasting, we ought to immediately beware that something is amiss in our soul.
For one thing, boasting reveals that we believe our success is due to our own effort. It leaves God out. God does not share His glory with anyone. If we try to take the credit for what God has done in our lives, we are inviting God to set the record straight. Second, boasting reveals an inner desire for peoples’ recognition. It demonstrates that peoples’ opinion drives our behavior. The true servant of God is motivated by God’s opinion of their behavior. Third, boasting reflects self-centeredness. People who boast only want to talk about themselves, not about others. Yet a true servant of God is focused on God’s activity, not on their own. They seek to be a blessing to others, rather than having others constantly admiring them. Finally, boasting reveals a lack of trust in God for a reward. Boasters desire instant gratification. Why wait for the “Well done” of God when I can garner peoples’ praise today? So boasters shamelessly herald their accomplishments and savor every compliment. Sadly, they will have their reward in full. God will not bless someone who is intent on grasping his own reward. Far better to humbly obey what God assigns to us and then wait for our Lord and Master to recompense us as He sees fit. Monitor your mouth. Are you magnifying your God, or yourself?