FOOLISH BRAGGING
II Corinthians 12:1-2, 5-6
"It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man .... such a one was caught up to the third heaven. .... Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me."
It is a human weakness to try to present an inflated image to other people to cause them to think more highly of myself than I really am. So I brag. But it is not profitable, because it doesn't change me into a better person. Even though I try to gloss over my infirmities (weaknesses), they are still there. Paul did not want people to think more of him more than he was – a sinner saved by grace whom God used. It is a fool who brags about himself rather than speaking the truth of his weaknesses. The fact that God used him mightily in visions and revelations was not because Paul was great, but because God was great. I can testify of what God has done, but the glory belongs to Him. No matter how I try to present a better persona, I am still a piece of clay, a cracked pot. An honest assessment of myself is best.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Bragging does not increase my stature one iota; I am still an imperfect piece of clay with weaknesses whom God, in His grace, may choose to use.
[end]
Have an honest day. Love you.
II Corinthians 12:1-2, 5-6
"It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man .... such a one was caught up to the third heaven. .... Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me."
It is a human weakness to try to present an inflated image to other people to cause them to think more highly of myself than I really am. So I brag. But it is not profitable, because it doesn't change me into a better person. Even though I try to gloss over my infirmities (weaknesses), they are still there. Paul did not want people to think more of him more than he was – a sinner saved by grace whom God used. It is a fool who brags about himself rather than speaking the truth of his weaknesses. The fact that God used him mightily in visions and revelations was not because Paul was great, but because God was great. I can testify of what God has done, but the glory belongs to Him. No matter how I try to present a better persona, I am still a piece of clay, a cracked pot. An honest assessment of myself is best.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Bragging does not increase my stature one iota; I am still an imperfect piece of clay with weaknesses whom God, in His grace, may choose to use.
[end]
Have an honest day. Love you.
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