Recently, I had a pastor visiting my home, who has been labouring for the kingdom of God very sacrificially. I salute men and women who have given up their secular dreams, aspirations and ambitions to serve God in full time. I believe it takes a deeper level of commitment.

However, my experience with this person was very disappointing because most of the time we had an active conversation, he was boasting about himself, his ministry, his family and everything under the sun about him.

For a fact I know that every time I meet a person who interests me, there is this natural tendency to want to impress him/her and gain their acceptance. I am sure this is quite a natural tendency for most social human beings. We desire the acceptance of those around us.

The problem begins, when we actively start speaking of our self and doing things in a way that will bring praise from men. As much as normal as it sounds, we enter into a crazy territory when we begin to do things to please people.

This is what Paul says, “If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” (Galatians 1:10) Ain’t that scary? Our desire to please men and gain acceptance from them comes in the way of our service to God.

This is what Jesus warns us: “Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1)

Most often, the reason a person seeks approval and acceptance of men is because of a person’s low self esteem. When somebody starts boasting in front of me, to me that’s just a sign of their insecurities!

The other reason why a person would boast could be because he thinks too highly of himself/herself. Both extremes cause a damage. Having a low self image and/or an immense pride in self would only lead to a self obsessed attitude which will not only damage one’s relationship with God but would also cost their friendship with people around them as well.

The state of your heart is reflected through your actions and your words. Do you want to inspect your attitude? Just count the number of times you use the terms, “I, Me & Myself” in a conversation with yourself in your mind, with others in public, or even in private!

Do the results scare you? Here’s God’s solution for the same.

Galatians 6:14

As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died.

Begin to boast God! Begin to boast in the finished work of Christ on the cross. Begin to boast in Holy Spirit’s power at work in your life! And as you begin to do that, like Paul says, our interest in the world will die and the world’s interests in us would die too.

Is God convicting your heart of your self-ish sins? Go to God with a humble heart and ask him to help you overcome your self based desires and obsessions. And as you begin to boast yourself in God, experience a complete deliverance from your self!

Please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below! We look forward to hearing from you!