I Boast.
The false humility invading Christianity
I'll be the first to admit it: I boast.
But it probably isn't the kind of boasting you're thinking of.
Talking about myself always makes me uncomfortable. I don't know how to receive compliments. I stray as far away from the topic of "me" as much as possible because talking about me, my achievements, and the stuff I have just doesn't feel right.
So instead, I fall into a strange "secret boasting" trap that I've seen permeate Christian circles everywhere.
This is a big problem because the Bible is pretty clear on boasting. Let me refresh your memory with just a few passages:
- Jeremiah 9:23-24: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
- Ephesians 2: 8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
- Romans 3:27- 28: "Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law."
So chances are if you grew up in the church, you're pretty darn good at not boasting. You probably learned the hard way as a kid. But as a child, you have to outdo everyone around you somehow, so you had to find a way around boasting.
Just think about it. Do you see people at church boasting? Usually not. Everyone knows it's rude to talk about all the stuff you've done in a prideful way.
Instead, we use secret boasting.
This is an art I unknowingly picked up from my friends while attending Christian high school. It's a way to boast without boasting... Only, if you caught my wording there, that means it's still boasting. And the real problem? No one's talking about it.
Let me show you what I mean: Say Dude #1 walks up to his friends blinking sleepily. "Had a late shift last night," he explains with a yawn. "Got off at 11:00." Dude #2, one of the friends, shakes his head. "Man, we got a shipment in late last night so I didn't get off until 1:00. I don't know how I'm still standing!"
This doesn't really fit the traditional definition of boasting, which is all about praising yourself. But what did Dude #2 do? Without actually acknowledging Dude #1's comment, he brought all the attention to himself and made it clear that he had it worse than Dude #1, implying that he (#2) is more worthy to be pitied - and therefore, somehow better than Dude #1.
This is the strange, twisted way in which we Christians get around boasting. We put ourselves down rather than puffing ourselves up, making a mockery of humility. True humility comes from a place of...well, humility, acknowledging that our own importance isn't significant. This false humility - this "secret boasting" - comes from a place of pride (and, more often than not, insecurity). We want to emphasise how bad we have it to make people feel bad for us, and therefore, give us their attention.
We need to change this culture of "Well, I have it worse!" in Christian circles. It's creating the impression among young people, especially, that they must be "better than" - leading to insecure adults.
Not every statement is a challenge. Learn how to listen; if someone tells you they only got a few hours of sleep last night, consider sympathising rather than trying to one-up your friend. Maybe offer them a good tip you use to get to sleep (in kindness - not because your sleep schedule is superior!).
It's all about intent. The next time you have a conversation, examine your motivations. If you're not trying to uplift or encourage, it's probably best not to say it.
Let us be worthy examples of Christ by adopting true humility and putting others before ourselves.
Take the stand with me: no more boasting!
About the Creator
E.J. Robison
Ever since I could first form words and hold a pen, I've been telling stories—from the sloppily scrawled tales about getting ice cream with my exotic pets to full-blown sci-fi and fantasy epics. Soli Deo gloria!
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.