Go Ahead and Brag [CHOOSING JOY]

I once met a woman who had decided to always speak in a positive manner.  She never complained, she could always see the blessing in every situation, and she avoided every opportunity to compare herself to others.  I have to admit, I had a hard time relating to her at first.  Until I met her, I never realized how much I rely on sharing my struggles (this is just a fancy way of saying complaining) to build my relationships with people.  There is something unifying about finding the same things difficult.  Expressing our weaknesses to each other somehow makes us all feel okay, not great, but at least okay.  So, I would try to trap her into whining about her day or give excuse after excuse about why a situation was horrible, but she would never succumb.  It was weird!  But, it was also refreshing!

Instead of bonding over our miseries, with a humble spirit this woman shared with me her triumphs.  All she wanted to talk about were the positive things going on in her life.  She even spoke of God’s discipline as being “sweet.”  She would start each conversation with “Where did you see God giving you a wink today?”  And I left each of our meetings feeling rejuvenated and positive, ready to shout about God’s work in my own life!

The gift of the Holy Spirit that comes to those who believe in Jesus Christ is great peace and joy no matter what.  My friend showed me that when I indulge myself in complaining, even under the guise of relating to others, I am shifting the focus from God to myself and that is a recipe for disappointment. Let’s see how great life will be when we begin each interaction with how is God showing His glory through your life today?  And remember, it’s not bragging if you are giving all the glory to God!

“Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.” Psalm 141:3 (NLT)

“If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James 1:26 (NLT)

“Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)