“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
March 2, 2023
Boasting: calling attention to oneself, how important we are and what we have achieved. Sadly, this kind of public posture is found way too often in Christian circles. After all, if a book is to be a best seller or the preacher is going to create a magnetic attraction some boasting may be given a pass. Love chooses to avoid self-promotion. It is glad when others receive special attention. Sometimes public testimonies are actually “bragamonies.” There are ways of trying to look good when we suspect we are not good. Paul told the Roman Christians not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think. Arrogance is another form of disordered love. True love chooses not to indulge in power grabs. The Greek word for arrogant comes from a word (phusa, air billows) that implies an inflated view of oneself. Am I trying to create an image that is contrary to reality? Do I attempt to use people to achieve my goals? Jesus did not strut and swagger in any sort of way. His mission was to glorify His Father in heaven, not to impress the crowds with His miracles and His depth of wisdom. He was sent to be the Savior of the world. He took the form of a servant, humbled Himself, and became obedient to death on a cross. Oh such love. May God so transform us that God’s love is our reputation.
H