May 3, 2016

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 themselvesto 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!

12 comments:

  1. Wow, thank you for the wonderful reminder, Hosanna! It's so important to remember to not be prideful and accept all the praise for yourself.

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed reading it! It is definitely something to always be keeping on your mind! And it's so hard to no be prideful sometimes, isn't it?!

      Thanks for commenting, Emily!!

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  2. Wow, Hosanna. Beautiful post. Beautiful, beautiful post. You are wise beyond your years, girl. I've been looking at your blog for a little while now, and may I just say: I love it!!!!
    -Ariel

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    1. Thank you so much Ariel! It means a lot to hear you say that! I'm thankful for the godly family that God has put me in. He has blessed us so much more than we can ever know!

      I hope my post was encouraging to you in your spiritual walk! <3

      Welcome to my little corner of the internet. =) It is great to meet you! =)

      ~Hosanna Emily

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  3. So when I boast, I'm basically playing my own modern version of the seat-picking game. That's a very simple application of this parable, and yet I'd never made the connection myself. Thanks for this, Hosanna!

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    1. I'm so glad that it helped you see things differently, Jordy!! =) You are welcome!!

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  4. AnonymousMay 05, 2016

    Beautiful post, Hosanna!! I have really loved having you write the R42 topics! Are you going to write one on friends? ;)

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    1. Thank you! I'm not sure if I will or not. This series has a ways to go. =) I am also planning on another series soon...about self publishing. =)

      You can go ahead and do one on friends if you want to! ;)

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    2. AnonymousMay 06, 2016

      Oh, oh! How cool! I'll be looking forward to it. :) And I just might do a post on friends...maybe. :)

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    3. Lol...I hope you will! =)

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  5. Just letting you know, I've tagged you for the 'Top Ten Villains Tag' over on my blog! Hope you can do it. :)

    Maiden of the Misty Mountains: Top Ten Villains Tag

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    1. Thank you for telling me, Jane! =) I will probably do it...but not very soon because I have some posts piled up waiting for their turn. =) I saw several other people doing this on their blogs, and I was hoping that I would be tagged. ;)

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