Love... Does Not Boast

As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.

James 4:16 (ESV)

In the devotion on “Public Display” (Part 9 of this series), we considered the tendency for some churches to boast. 

Why do they fall into this temptation?  Why do they show off their fancy buildings, pastor pedigrees, prestigious patrons, and count their accomplishments in numbers?

Like its congregation size and baptisms? Like bragging about how long they’ve been saved?*

If boasting might be called “advertising”, then many modern churches advertise– notably the mid-size to mega ones.

  • They boast to reassure current members… they're in the right place to “tune in” to God.

  • They boast to market (share) their excellence and attract new members (or “customers”).

  • They boast because they have lots of bills to pay. Big buildings, staff, and programs… cost $.

Logically, income (through offerings) is necessary for their services. All businesses have expenses to pay. Paul discusses his own needs openly.

Nevertheless, I can't help but wonder how Paul and the earliest church leaders would view modern church business and boasting. Is people-pleasing now our status quo?

If that might be true, then LOGICALLY…

  • Sermons would focus on God's great blessings (like love, healing, and everlasting life)...

  • But avoid His requisite commandments (like self-denial and cross-carrying).

I write this devotion not to condemn, but to encourage small and home churches. Also, to remind elders and pastors in larger churches to reflect on who they most want to please.

Is it God, the world, or their “customers”?

Because God won’t share His primetime spot.

Love… Does NOT Boast (Part 13)

* Recall the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard to see how irrelevant #’s are to God. Matthew 20:1-16 NIV - The Parable of the Workers in the - Bible Gateway

* Recall the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Matthew: Matthew 18:12-14 - New King James Version

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban