The older I get, the more patterns I see in life. The things that puzzled me years ago are really quite simple.
They say history repeats itself. Patterns of life repeat themselves. Reactions to actions and responses to situations often have a typical predictable outcome. Although we really do not have to be that predictable – our sin nature being what it is – we often are just that. Predictable.
When people get really excited over success or over some new toy or what they want to do, they may cross the line into bragging. A typical response to that is that someone will get bent out of shape. Covetousness and jealousy may get the best of them. They may act out in a way that is not pleasant.
Have you ever had that happen to you? Have you ever been on either side of that situation? Were you always truly happy for the person succeeding? Do you brag when that person is you?
If you have ever been lashed out at after an achievement, perhaps you were puzzled as to why?
It’s one thing to be happy about success, and it’s quite another to carry that into boasting. Even if you did not feel you were boasting, it may have been viewed that way. Some folks are just very sensitive. Quite possibly the more you boast and the more pride you have, the more jealousy and covetousness you stir up inside of others.
Scripture tells us it’s always better when someone else praises us.
Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
Proverbs 27:1-2
Scripture also warns us of pride.
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.
Proverbs 16:18-19
I suspect pride and arrogance are somewhat blinding. Who can tell you anything if you are always sure you are right? Who can help you if you are not willing to be helped?
Here’s what the Bible says about coveting the possessions of others.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
Exodus 20:17
Question. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself where celebrating success and boasting intersect? Perhaps the manner and frequency of sharing your good news is the key.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.
1 John 4:18-19
Today’s challenge is to ask God to show you if you are someone that shares good news or boasts. Ask God to show you if you are guilty of covetousness and jealousy when another is successful.