You might be wondering at the picture that I chose for this study . . . in the original language, the word that is translated "proclaim" means just that --- synonyms that were listed were "call out, cry out, preach, and publish."
It's human nature to want to toot our own horns, isn't it? I think we can see that in children, as they joyfully shout about their accomplishment, and wait expectantly for mom and dad to exult with them. Of course, we see it in adults sometimes, too, and it's not quite as cute, is it? Being proud of reaching a goal is fine, but we often have a tendency to want to brag a little, don't we? Should we be careful of the bragging, and give God the glory for those accomplishments? After all, He gave us the gifts we used, and the strength we needed!
I thought the second half of the verse was very thought-provoking. The word "faithful" in there, is a word that is also translated "trustworthy." Whether man or woman, a trustworthy individual is a great treasure to find, as a friend, or as a mate. I thank God for the trustworthy man that He brought into my life --- and I pray that I will also be trustworthy for him, and for my Savior.
I've never had much patience with someone who loves to toot their own horn. I have tried very hard to never do that. It could be said that posting your works on a blog might be bragging, but I look at it as sharing. I struggle with that sometimes though. *grin*
ReplyDeleteWhen I spoke a while back about bragging on blogs...I never said we couldn't show our accomplishments. Just as Jacque points out--is our purpose for an "atta boy!" or is our purpose to encourage and inspire others? Because I really enjoy reading about what people have accomplished through their blogs. I enjoy encouraging them.
ReplyDeleteOn the flip side, I don't mind sharing mistakes either. I have lots and lots of them. I feel if I am going to share my quilting journey I need to share my mistakes too. I think that can be encouraging too.
Now aside from blogs--I think sometimes it is hardest not to toot my own horn at my husband when he gets home from work. If I don't get certain things accomplished, I find myself listing the things that I did get accomplished--trying to make myself look better I guess. Something I need to work on...
Oh Tonya, I hope you didn't think I was referring to your remarks. This was just what came to my brain when I was writing. I agree with you on it all. And I too find myself listing what I've accomplished through the day, trying to make myself feel better at what I didn't. :P
ReplyDeleteYou do that too? I find if there are still dishes to wash or dinner isn't finished that I have to 'cover up' for it. But I don't think Jerry feels that way at all. He knows that I am a very busy person and that I try very hard to squander time. He also knows that I find very little time to do things that I'd like to do...so I think I just need to quit bombarding him with my "what I did today' lists when he comes home!
ReplyDeletethis was the verse from my devotional for today.
ReplyDeleteWhat things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Phil. 3:7
Sometimes we think that life is all about us. Thankfully Paul's testimony gives us the right perspective. Paul admitted that in order to "gain Christ" he had to lay down all of his trophies down.