Thought for the Day

Everyone reacts negatively to a braggart. It is bad manners to speak about nothing but one's own accomplishments. It is especially inappropriate for God's people, as it is evidence of pride and self-centeredness. These do not reflect God's nature, but Satan's. Pride and selfishness blind us to the needs of others and keep us from loving God and others. The Bible instructs us to lift one another up in encouragement and praise. We should esteem our fellow believers more highly than ourselves. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Romans 12:10). We should rejoice to see fellow believers honored even when we are not acknowledged, and not allow ourselves to feel slighted.

"Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]. And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfection [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]" (Colossians 3:12-15, AMP).

The Lord instructs us to be humble and kind to each other. We ought not to be so wrapped up in ourselves that we are unaware of what others are doing. We should acknowledge others when they do a good job, no matter how menial that job may be. Every task done with excellence and unto the Lord, is worthy of praise. Ephesians 5:18 instructs us to give thanks to God in everything. If we live in an attitude of giving thanks and praise to God, we will have a heart to appreciate those around us. People enjoy the company of those having a joyful nature and a grateful heart. Their attitude spills over to all who know them. A smile costs nothing, and a word of praise to those with whom we live and work is a wonderful testimony to the Spirit of Christ dwelling within us.