Ugly Self Boasting

I’m always fairly wary of people who speak so highly of themselves.

Psalm 83:1-18

Reference: Let them know that you, whose name is the Lord — that you alone are the Most High over all the earth. (‭Psalm‬ ‭83‬:‭18‬ NIV)

Explore: I once met a guy who, in the first five minutes of our conversation, told me how wonderful he was. I only had to ask one question and I ended up hearing all the great things he had done and could do.

I know I was being very judgemental, but I knew we would not end up as best friends forever! I’m always fairly wary of people who speak so highly of themselves.

If your actions do not speak of your greatness then your words are not going to convince me.

In that same night I saw a girl across the room. When I asked my friend about her he instantly smiled.

He spoke glowingly of his friend and I felt drawn to her before I had even met her. The words of others speak of actions they have observed rather than self congratulatory words of boasting.

Application: I think it is interesting in the Psalms that the writer often asks God to reveal Himself to the enemy. The writer wants God to declare His own glory.

God could do that if He wanted to. But sometimes people have to hear it from someone else.

When others speak of the impact God has had in their lives it goes beyond boasting, it shows praise and admiration for an active, living God who is involved with His people. Others need to hear it from us before they can see who God is.

Prayer: Lord, may we be diligent in speaking Your goodness to everyone we meet. Amen.

How can you declare God’s goodness today?

actions, believe, evangelism, Psalm, words