When you are raised in church and hear the Word of God preached expositionally at least 3 times a week (as I was), at some point you become very familiar with the words of scripture. At least I thought I was very familiar with scripture.
Last night, our pastor preached from 1 John 2:15-17, written out in the callout box to the right. Of course, I have read and heard this passage many times including verse 16, which says, "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world."
I don't claim to be the brightest bulb in the utility closet, but I probably should have understood this verse. But I did really get at least one point until last night when I took my NIV translation to church with me. The NIV renders verse 16 with the phrase: "the boasting of what he has and does" instead of the more common "the pride of life." Now I should have recognized what that meant—but somehow I missed it.
When I boast of my accomplishments or of how "good" I am at something, that boasting is coming from the world—not from the Father. It is coming from my sinful flesh.
Out of concern for the often mentioned upcoming economic downturn, I have found myself "blowing my own horn" recently—especially to my supervisors at work. This is not something I should be doing. As Christians, we should live in such a way "that they may see [our] good works and glorify [our] Father in heaven" (Matt 5:16).
May God grant me the wisdom and patience to do the right thing in this regard and to rest in Him, knowing that He will take care of my family—whatever may come.
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