In my mother’s kitchen, there is a fridge. On the fridge there is an old piece of paper. On the paper is a drawing of a very strangely shaped lion drawn years ago by one of my nieces. It gets lots of attention. Sooner or later, everyone who visits the kitchen sees the lion and hears the story about who drew it and when. My niece knows that it still hangs on the fridge and that her grandma has bragging rights on it!
Now, she is a quite accomplished young sketch artist. While part of her might be embarrassed that this earlier creation of marginal artistic value is still featured in a place of honor, I think that another part of her is pleasured to know that her art is valued by someone she loves, someone who loves her back.
Bragging gets a lot of bad press. Most of the time, it is negative only when self promoting or when it is used to devalue someone else. There is one time when bragging is always okay. It is when we brag about our Father in heaven. While I have spoken about this in passing before, I felt impressed to focus on it today.
Our Father loves to hear His children tell stories about Him! One way to worship is to tell stories about Him. One way to build faith, yours and that of those around you, is by sharing what He has done for you and in you.
But as for me, I will always have hope;
I will praise you more and more.
My mouth will tell of your righteousness,
of your salvation all day long,
though I know not its measure.
Psalm 71:14-15 NIV.
Is that great or what! David was so good at bragging on God. I just love these words, “I will praise you more and more.” David even says that he is going to brag about how good God is, even though he doesn’t know how to measure it!
When God does something for or in you, don’t keep it a secret! Tell about it! Tell your husband. Tell your wife. Tell your kids! Tell your work colleagues! Tell about it at church! Make a news event of it! Share it freely!
Father, let me boldly share what You do in me with those around me. Let my words make You happy! Let my stories bring a faith blessing to others.