For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9
In my life, I have met some people that like to brag. If you are like me, your mind probably even went to someone as you read that. They brag about the things they have done, their accomplishments, and say ‘I did’ or ‘I have’ in response to almost everything you say. They almost always have a story about how they have done it and done it better.
Now there’s not nothing wrong with being excited about something you have accomplished. But it must be in the right context. I’ll never forget the words that a wise older Christian told me once. He said, “there is absolutely nothing in this life I have accomplished of myself. It’s all through the grace of God. I’m nothing to brag about”
He sure had accomplished a lot, too! He was a successful leader, a well-respected businessman, and had a lot of recognition in this world. But he realized that he was not successful only because of his hard work. He realized that God had blessed him in a great way.
Life may bring success and notoriety into our lives in a variety of ways. Yet, we have to realize that in ourselves, we are nothing to brag about. Everything we have in life is by the grace of God. He provided a way of salvation and blesses each of us daily.
Today, think across all the things you have accomplished in life. Think about the amazing gift of salvation you have been given. Everything that came to your mind was not because of you. It was because of God! Be proud of your accomplishments, but give credit to God. He is worth bragging about!
Across the world, there are Christians that need encouragement and s
Jared Dyson
Another Well Ministries
I have a "snotty event" to attend tomorrow and expecting the "typical interaction" of what do you do (pissing contest). I'm not looking fwd to that part to be honest I'm really thinking of asking them BUT are you happy? And then feel like that simple question is to basic too get my point across.
..."if it makes you happy...
...then why the hell are you so sad"...
Makes me think of the "one uppers" that always have a better story, a better bragging point, etc., when really a less self-absorbed person is just sharing a story that occurred in their life. The need to "one-up" others can be competitive in human nature, but when consistent, it tells me that person feels inferior for some reason. Knowing we all succeed or faulter by the grace of God keeps me grounded and see things more clearly. TY for your post.
...you have a firm grasp of the situational reality....
I am encouraged to see so many comments on your posts...this is such a common occurrence...for people to think more highly of themselves or even their things than is acceptable in the eyes of God. What is really important is invisible to the eyes...and everything we are has been created by God...we had no hand in it. Everything we have achieved or acquired in life has no meaning eternally unless it points people to God. And yet God wants us to have a fair estimation of our abilities as long as we recognize the source. You have been particularly blessed, AshlandDog, and I know you are very cognizant of giving back and that is appreciated by many...stay humble (if possible) and thankful for all you have been given...
"“to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48)"
...everything we are, possess or experience is because God ordained it to be....
..."Lord help me Jesus, I've wasted it so"...
https://youtu.be/mtQOY-0sViQ
I don’t upvote or comment enough on here, especially to you Ashlanddog. But you rock and I love reading everything you post regarding the Lord God Almighty. Keep up the good work, keep on howling!
May God bless you richly...
u/#howl
I agree with you. It's uncanny how Ashlanddog's post hit a nerve at just the right time for me, just when I need it. Much appreciated.
Amen. All praise be to God
I'm a little worried I may have gained a bit more notoriety than success.
...howls...
...I honestly feel your pain....