BRAGGY BAG OF TALENTS.

This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.
Jeremiah 9:23 NLT

Everyone has his/her own talents, abilities, empowerment in the right measure as deposited in them by God. And I know we even endeavor to learn more about others that attracts our interests. In fact we almost wants every empowerment God has to offer us. We even pray to God to add more talents to you or help you fully perfect the ones you have. Yeah that's good. It's okay that we desire all of these good things. But what are your aims. I mean after you get all these things what do you consciously or unconsciously (sometimes) do with them.

A boastful person is perceived as restless, immodest, impatient, vainglorious,egotistical, proud to mention a few, but these piece will address some of it. So, here we go;

      If we really dig deep into people's heart and find out why they want some things so much, and the things they do, you'll discover it is just to 'show off'. They  think and utter words like this; "People really need to see that I have these talents and even better at it than so and so" in such boastful manner. And so restless about it till they finally have their way. Say you can sing like nightingale, but then you are so showy and boastful about it that at the end you are no longer seen as a great singer but a showy person ..... Listen, Jesus Christ was never boastful and restless about his powers and abilities. Inspite of the fact that He could (and can) do whatever He wanted to perfectly, He never allowed the devil or some set of people drag Him into boastful actions. Better than the devil, in fact He is 'bestest' but he didn't have to turn those stones to bread to show that. If he had done that, it would mean that He was stooping so low as to get himself approved of the devil (given the subtle presentation of the temptation ). But Heyy.....Christ is King either the devil approves it or not! You don't need to stoop so low to get people's approval. All you need is the right place and right time God has for your talents and abilities to shine. Wait for it. Do not force it!

        Sometimes most of us blame it on pressures from friends/people around us.....Well Jesus was put under pressure by the devil and He didn't fall for it. If he had done that it will mean he was letting Himself into doing his(devil) will. You sort of show of because your friends were really hyping you and then you fell for it. You don't want someone coming out of the blues or even your closest pal pressurizing you into doing what you now at that moment  wasn't necessary (even though you can do it).....and truthfully you will surely know this because the Holy Spirit in you will tell you; "You shouldn't have done that, you know"

        On the other hand, the yearn for showoff comes from within. You are the one propelling and putting so much pressure on yourself. You just want everyone to see you and your talents and probably not see anyone else  (thinking after you there is no one else).... just you and your talents alone. That is already being selfish. It is good and rewarding when you are not displaying your God-given abilities out of a boastful heart." Don't be an unrestful, boastful and disturbing bag of talents. Be calm, modest and give way for God to bring you forth, so that He would be glorified in you.

         I need to also add that when you showoff to people you're simply saying that their opinions gets to you and matters to you and that they have a say in your business and life. You now base your life on what people feel or would feel about you (not how God feels). You are seeking their approval and acceptance (not Gods). What you need to constantly remember is that people change a lot and you will be surprised at how they will treat you even after you seem to have gained their love and approval at first. But God is not changing for anything.... He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Once you're with Him, you won't boast in your own abilities because you know better. He will even approve you for greater assignments that you never thought you will be able to accomplish.You don't have to try so hard SHOW anybody anything and receive vain glory at the end of it, God will be enough for you and SHOW Himself in your life instead!

     It is really golden to allow the Providence of God bring you forth to the presence of those that will really appreciate you instead of manipulating thongs your own way. For instance after Jesus Christ's temptation (clearly he didn't show himself off to the devil by doing all he asked him to), angels came to him and ministered to him and he was also brought to the presence of multitudes that really appreciated His power. He did miracles amidst them. Everyone was happy and glad that He had and made proper use of that power (rather than showing off to the devil).This is like people coming to celebrate you after you have allowed God bring you to the right audience at the right time and  blessed them with your talents. Way better than trying to fix a 'showoff galore' for yourself.

      See our greatest example..... His aim when He was here as human was to do the will of the One that sent Him and please Him always. His power was not for a 'Showoff' of himself to the devil or some people that refused to believe, instead it SHOWed God in Him.  He passed the test and more power was added into Him as stated in the Scriptures He went ahead into His ministry having being tested and trusted and He also did and has being doing miracles of all sorts from them till now.

       Remember,  you don't have to show off to be relevant. Let the process take it's course. Let humility and God's providence bring you that relevance that would be just perfect for you. In due time according to Gods plan, He will bring you before audience that you will have great impact on and they will appreciate you in return.

Burn that bridge called 'Showoff' and never rebuild it.  Let God bring you out Himself.

Thanks for reading. Till next time 