March 14, 2011
Egotists (Show-offs)
Today’s Thought:
“Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity.”– Frank Leahy
Today’s Question
Did you know that when a man is all wrapped up in his self, he makes a very small package and that conceit is God’s gift to little men?
Today’s Spiritual Thought:
“The bigger a man’s head, the worse his headache.”
A Persian Proverb
An egotist is a person who actively engages in the art of egotism; which is the constant and excessive tendency to refer to his or her self. And it is fair to say that most egotists are show-offs whose objective is to draw attention to themselves and make themselves appear to be bigger, better and greater than anyone else in the room.
So, naturally egotism and Christianity are not or at least should not be likely bedfellows, in a manner of speaking.
Scripture repeatedly teaches us to be meek, humble and mild mannered.
We are not to glory in our own abilities and accomplishments, but rather we should glory in the cross.
Paul said, “That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” – The Bible (1 Corinthians 1:31)
He elaborated on this matter further in Romans, when he wrote, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” – The Bible (Romans 5:1-5)
We know for Solomon wrote in Proverbs that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit goes before a fall.
In God’s kingdom there is no place for egotist only Jesus. For He said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me.”
Christianity is about pointing souls to the Savior, reflecting who He is; not boasting, or showing off whom we are.
In fact, if it weren’t for Jesus in my life, I would have nothing worth bragging about. So if then I am to boast of anything, it is not of me but rather of Christ in me.
We are all subject to being a bit of a show-off from time to time, but if we are going to show-off, may we show Christ-likeness and not the weaknesses of our own humanity.
I must decrease and He must increase or else I am heading for a headache.
Today’s Verses:
A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.
Proverbs 12:2
He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the Lord: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.
Proverbs 14:2-3
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts. To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:2-3
Today’s Prayer:
Father, if my ego gets over inflated, pop it; and help me to remember than a humble and obedient servant is a happy servant.
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