God is _____? Part 4

A follow up to my post God is _____? Part 3

"Love...does not boast, Love...is not proud..." 1 Corinthians 13:4

In Luke 14, Jesus tells a parable to those around Him.  Jesus was in the middle of a feast at a prominent person's house.  He noticed how others around Him were trying to pick the best seats for themselves—to prove their importance.  Jesus spoke up, reprimanding them.  He said that if you are invited somewhere, do not take the seats of honor.  If you do...well, another guest might show up who is more distinguished than you.  Then you'll end up being told to move.  No, He said to take the lowest seat.  Then when your host sees you he will say, "Friend, move up to a better place."  Then you will be honored in front of everyone.

The point of the story isn't to be honored in front of everyone.  Maybe the parable doesn't sound relevant to your life today.  Where would you try to take the seat of honor?  But there is a deeper meaning that Jesus wanted to show everyone within hearing range.

To be a Christian, we must be like Jesus.  Jesus was a servant.  He washed His disciples' feet.  He touched the untouchables.  He ate with the sinners.  He spoke with the lowly.  He associated with unlovely people.  He cherished them.  Cared for them.  Healed them.

Why is it so hard for us to act this way?  In modern America (and across the world), people want to popular.  They want others to like them.  And to do this, they boast in themselves to others to make others think they are "bigger and better" than they actually are.  They are full of pride in themselves and in their accomplishments.

I'm not talking about "they".  I'm talking about us.  It is so hard to live without being consumed with ourselves.  Our looks.  Our desires.  Our possessions. Our lusts.  But it is also so important!!!

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."  (Colossians 3:2)

We need to focus on God and not ourselves!  If we do this, then we don't need to brag about ourselves.  We don't need to "look good" to those around us!  Our lives can be for Him and Him alone!  Our goal can be to bring Him glory, not ourselves.  

So this week, here is my challenge.  Instead of focusing on yourself, focus on Him.  Brag on Jesus and tell others what He's done for you!  And instead of boasting to others, why don't you complement them?  Tell them what you like about them, instead of trying to look good to them.  If you get rid of pride, then you can have perfect Love through Christ!

What are your thoughts on pride and boasting?  How can we focus on God more and on ourselves less?  Comment below!