BRAGGADOCIO

I Was Just Thinking About – BRAGGADOCIO.

Have you ever been in a situation where a choice was made based more upon one’s braggadocios words or body language? The one who projected a superior manner or attitude or claimed to be a person of accomplishments was more acceptable. The one who is given to be “braggadocios” whether by his words or persona is one who is or projects being complicit with “vain, empty boasting; a braggart.” The synonyms are blowhard; boaster; windbag. He is one who appreciates the recognition extended him whether earned, deserved or not. Countless illustrations could be given that demonstrate such mannerisms and/or attitude. However, it's wise not to enlarge on this.

There is a glaring absence of genuine humility on the part of such persons. Even though they may know and have the ability to articulate its meaning, there is little or no evidence that it is the fruit of one’s life. Absent are the instructions and admonitions of: (Micah 6:8), “What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to WALK HUMBLY with your God? (Philippians 2:3), “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 – MSG), “Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches. If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I’m God, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks.”

All of us would do well to remember daily the words of James 4:10 (NKJV), “HUMBLE YOURSELVES in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.” In Matthew 23, Jesus is pronouncing a series of woes upon the Pharisees. He also states the acceptable behavior that He wants to find in His true followers (Verses 11-12), “The greatest among you shall be your servant.  For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Jesus is essentially stating that God honors us when we are humble, in part because we are open to His guidance. It’s only then that He can show us what is right and teach us in His way. The Psalmist stated this principle clearly, Psalm 25:9, “He (The LORD) leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” 

I can’t help but wonder how Jesus Christ would assess the Biblical Christian and those who represent Him as Pastors and Teachers? Would He find humility or pride? Would He find kindness or harshness? Would He find genuine love or external tolerance (but not true acceptance) of those being deemed as lesser?

Jesus said (John 14:6), I AM the Way – and – he expects His followers to be in accord with Him and walking in that way with Him. Jesus said, I AM the Truth – and – he expects His followers to both proclaim and live that truth. Jesus said, I AM the Life – and – He expects us to be His image representation of His life in the world today. Would Jesus be pleased in how you are following Him or would you become a recipient of His pronounced woes? Would Jesus be pleased that He sees you taking up His cross daily and following Him or would he see your life as one of pretense rather than fact?

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.