Boasting Limits

Boasting Limits

2 Corinthians 10: ¹² Of course we would not dare classify ourselves or compare ourselves with those who rate themselves so highly. How stupid they are! They make up their own standards to measure themselves by, and they judge themselves by their own standards! ¹³ As for us, however, our boasting will not go beyond certain limits; it will stay within the limits of the work which God has set for us, and this includes our work among you. ¹⁴ And since you are within those limits, we were not going beyond them when we came to you, bringing the Good News about Christ.

 

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After getting the title, I felt pretty good. “I” had accomplished something “great” and other people told me they admired “my” achievements. I was given a large responsibility within the company, awards and a new office. “I” made it!

 

• The more I had the poorer in humility I became.
• The bigger the title the prouder I became within myself without knowing it.
• The higher I climbed the more I relied on my title for self-esteem.

 

Paul implies a warning about comparing oneself to another, especially those who rate themselves highly. He also points to a healthier means of boasting, namely to speak about how great GOD has loved us by giving us JESUS.

 

My Observations

• I should look at myself less and point more to GOD.
• I must thank GOD for the places HE brought me and the things HE has provided.
• I have to choose to limit myself instead of always testing the boundaries of GOD’s love.

 

In the days of pushing the limits, it seems strange to limit myself to anything old and stodgy. I mean, wasn’t the Bible written in times that were less complicated? Yes, but amazingly it applies even more today than when it was written.

 

GOD’s word, namely the Bible, provides a tiny dose of what HE chose to reveal to humans. It is inerrant in every way. Each day it can be read and applied for decision making, correction and growth. The comparison to JESUS knocks out any pride I may have, so I surrender my life to HIM. I am glad HE gave me limits to live my life abundantly.

 

Challenge

• What do you notice about the seemingly harsh words of the writer regarding ”self” standards?
• How do you feel about limits?
• Will you choose to walk within GOD’s limits, staying away from the boundaries so you can live an abundant life speaking about JESUS whenever HE sends you to people HE desires?

Ask and believe

James 1: ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

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“What should we do next” were the horrifying words from my team.  This was the first time I had led a project and I had micro-managed us into a corner where we had to make some difficult decisions. “I know” I said to myself. “I will listen to everyone and get all the opinions on how to fix the problem.”

When I opened the opinion box I unveiled a storm of differing views and I looked crazy trying to agree with everything. Now my team started doubting if we were going in the right direction.

• When I get confused I seem double minded.
• When I get lost I feel unstable.
• When I get disorganized my thoughts race and I grapple with the issue.

When a challenge appears I tend to “think” my way out of the issue but this sometimes gets me deeper into hot water. Now what should I do?

• GOD says “ask ME for wisdom and I will give it abundantly.”
• GOD says “no matter how lost you get I will be there for you.”
• GOD says “I am not looking for fault in you rather I am looking for you to believe.”

GOD only wants faith from me.  HE desires that I believe HE has the answers and I can ask HIM for as much wisdom as I can handle.  HE will heap a generous portion on me when I believe solely on HIM. If I seek other crutches I can be blown and tossed by the wind.

I’m not saying avoid seeking wise counsel, what I am saying is let GOD be my guide.

• Are you confused?
• Do you lack wisdom in something?
• Won’t you ask GOD for wisdom?
• Can you let HIM guide your words and actions today?

I can’t see!

John 9: ³⁹ Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

 ⁴⁰ Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?”

 ⁴¹ Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.

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“Please come speak to our group” was the request of one of the business owners. Arrogantly, I accepted the invitation thinking they wanted to hear my greatness. When I stepped to the podium, I was met with questions not pertaining to the agenda, nor had I prepared for. It was a trap! How did I not see this coming?

• When I think more highly of myself, I become blind.
• When I think I am doing better than others, I become blind.
• When I think I have arrived, I become blind.

Blindness is my weakness and arrogance is my blind-guide. When I assume someone is stupid or weak or prejudiced or flirty or dangerous, I am acting in a “blind” fashion. I guess it’s self-preservation.

• JESUS came into the world to lead me to HIS kingdom.
• JESUS opened my eyes to my fallen state and showed me there is no way to save myself.
• JESUS volunteered to die specifically for me and you in order for us to “see” HIS power.

Going through life blind and deaf to GOD’s ways has been a problem of mine since birth. HE yearns for me to learn about HIM, teach about HIM and live with HIM in peace not adversarial. Blindness causes me to run towards things I can touch and “see” which unfortunately are not items of faith.

JESUS says “Have faith in ME” and you will see.

• Are you trying to live by your own power?
• Do you get nervous easily?
• Won’t you trade your worry for faith that GOD has a wonderful plan for you?
• Can you accept your purpose in life telling more and more people about the great news of JESUS’ salvation?
• Does the last question leave you blind?

I think I’m getting stupider!

Luke 2: 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

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The older I get the dumber I think I am. I’m not talking about in men’s eyes, I’m talking about as it relates to GOD. I have followed GOD for a long time and you would think I would be perfect by now. Well, it’s quite the opposite.

• The older I get the more sins I commit.
• The older I get the more grace I need.
• The older I get the more I set GOD up for failure in my eyes.

Fortunately for me GOD forgives me daily. HE knows my weaknesses and looks beyond them because I am something special to HIM.  HE places obstacles in my way to make me stronger in the faith and HE never ever leaves me alone.

• Only GOD can help me grow in wisdom.
• Only GOD can help me grow my faith.
• Only GOD can help me grow favor with HIM and man.

When I focus on my situations and problems I act “stupider and stupider” doubting HIM and worrying about my situations. But when I focus on GOD and HIS mighty power that raises me up from the dust then I am growing in wisdom, faith and favor.

• Do you think you “know it all?”
• Are you deliberately seeking GOD’s wisdom?
• Will you drop “your will” and seek GOD’s will today?

You're and "idiot," or is it me?

Matthew 5: ²¹ “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²² But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

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“Look at that doofus driving with his turn signal on” I said to my family as I expressed my impatience with driving. When the promotions came out and “that” person was on the list I thought “that idiot?”

When questioning my parents for not letting me go to the party or event I mumbled and grumbled and muttered under my breath “stupid!” Notice I wasn’t “stupid” enough to say it out loud.

When I corrected a person for not hearing what “I” said even when they may have been distracted, or I may have said it the wrong way or at the wrong time or in the wrong tone, I may have thought that person was a little, uh, off “their” game and I wasn’t to blame.

• Calling someone a fool is insulting to GOD who made them.
• Calling someone slow insults GOD and raises me higher than HIM.
• Calling someone dumb slaps GOD’s face because I don’t know the whole plan.

At one time I thought this verse was a little harsh.  I mean doesn’t the Bible point out “foolish” “slothful” people? In my examples there is one thing in common, “I’m not getting my way.”

• When I am not getting my way I pout and call the other person names.
• When I am not getting my way I think the other person is stupid and they need “my” help into “better” thinking.
• When I am not getting my way I believe my plan is better and I discount the other person’s method of doing things.

GOD wants me to appreciate the differences HE made in people. HE wants me to value opinions of others while humbly adding my “two cents.” A weak leader tries to prove their value by downplaying others, a strong one doesn’t have to.

• Do you think “that” person is stupid?
• Are you questioning a person’s intelligence?
• They may be insulting your intelligence, do you have the right to do the same to others?
• Can you pray for “that person” instead of criticizing them?
• Have you ever thought “maybe I’m the idiot” in this situation?