Bragging

2 Corinthians 10:18
When people commend themselves, it doesn't count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them. (NLT)

Commending oneself is "patting yourself on the back". It is finding some way to praise yourself so many will notice. Some charities send you a sticker to put on your vehicle so you can brag about not only that you gave, but what level you gave at. The color of the sticker displays your level of commitment in dollars to that cause.

Most areas have a person or more that gives to their community. Everybody knows about them because they have buildings and events named after them. They are not only bragging about their good deeds, but attempting to affix their place in history.

Please do not get me wrong, I am not saying any of these examples are wrong. From societies point of view these are normal ways to act. We all see the bumper stickers that announce that "My Child is on the Honor Roll" at such and such school.

When we became believers, we took on a new position. We became new creatures with new goals led by the Holy Spirit. We were given a commission to go to the unsaved and tell them about the gospel. Those that believed are also saved and go on to tell others.

Nowhere does Jesus tell us to keep score and announce it to the world. He keeps score. He sees all that we do and commends us by the new opportunities He places in our path as we go forth on this journey of life. As we go, we grow.

The more time we spend in seeking recognition from others, the less we are spending listening to what God has for us to do next. We are wrapped up in patting our self on the back instead of hearing from Him.