Bragger
I am not a fan of braggers. A bragger is someone who talks with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s own achievements, possessions or abilities. A bragger seeks to elevate himself or herself above everyone else. I have to confess that there are times in my life when this describes me. I am not proud of my arrogant, bragger behavior. I believe that the Lord has me in check on that now. King Hezekiah who has just pleaded for his life before the Lord turns into a bragger. The king of Babylon sends an envoy with gifts because he had heard of Hezekiah’s illness and recovery. King Hezekiah falls into a snare as he starts bragging to the representatives of Babylon. He shows them everything he has. Check this out….
3 Then Isaiah the prophet went to King Hezekiah and asked, ‘What did those men say, and where did they come from?’ ‘From a distant land,’ Hezekiah replied. ‘They came to me from Babylon.’ 4 The prophet asked, ‘What did they see in your palace?’ ‘They saw everything in my palace,’ Hezekiah said. ‘There is nothing among my treasures that I did not show them.’ 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, ‘Hear the word of the Lord Almighty: 6 the time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord. (Isaiah 39:3-6 NIV)
I have learned in my journey with the Lord that the blessings I have come from the Lord. They do not come from my ability to orchestrate a great career or fantastic sales volume. He is my Provider – period. He gives me the wisdom and strength to work. He walks with me through every facet of my life and helps me serve others. He also gives me wisdom and discernment on how I spend my hard earned money. The Lord directs my living and my giving. The Lord is a Giver and I’m like Him when I give.
A bragger often seeks to impress people that he or she doesn’t know or like. I really only want my life and work to impress Creator God.
Pressing On! Dwayne