The Braggadocio

We all know that show-off. When I hear that word, I immediately think of 16 year old boys (I'm so sorry guys) who are just in the middle of being a child and an adult. It's a hard time. I've been there in the female world and I dunno, it's probably for guys or something. Because from what I've seen, most boys around this age, are trying to become their own person, seeking for their own identity and the symptoms they display are most ridiculous to behold! I'm not going to go into detail but I know that you know what I'm talking about it. Either you've seen it, or...you've been there or...you are there!

Tonight, during evening worship, we were reading "Secrets of the Forest". It's a story book that we read during evening worship to give Jack a break from the heavier stuff that we often 'do' for worship. It's about a young family who explore God's creation together and learn especially about the animals that surround them and their 'human' characteristics. The chapter we read about tonight was about show-offs. We read about pheasants and deer and then brainstormed other animals that show-off. Birds of paradise, peacocks, bower birds, kangaroos, stallions (strange isn't it how it's mostly the males that show-off...it sure is a guy thing!). All sorts of animals. In fact, I came to the conclusion that all animals show-off, just some in different ways. Some sing, some strut, some fight to show their strength ect.

Then the statement was made that humans show off allot. We laughed. But that brought us to the question whether showing off was designed by God. Should we show off?

Eek...well that could get complicated and controversial but I'm going to put down my thoughts and you may challenge me if you want.

Let me just start by saying that we are all tempted to show off. And it's so easy! God has blessed us with so many talents that I'm afraid it comes naturally to both men and women to 'show off'. It could be that God has blessed you with an extraordinary musical talent, a talent of speaking, physical beauty (or handsomeness), strength, wisdom, talent in practical areas of life, and the list could go on and on. From an unchristian perspective, these things are worth boasting about. But from our perspective, these are all gifts from God and should be used to His glory alone. But my thoughts tonight ran along these lines. Perhaps this 'showing-off' has been perverted by the devil as most other God ordained faucets of life have been. Maybe we are to show off. But not to show off the physical things of life but to show off our character. (In Mum's words: "Show-off and character don't seem to fit together.)

Put it this way. When a christian young man or a christian young woman is looking for a soul-mate, we all know that we are not to judge a person by their face or abilities along. I mean, we've all been told that ever since we were children! Instead, we are told to explore the character of a 'potential'. So, girls, when you are at that age when the hormones are powerful and you want to pretty yourself up, show more of your body then you know is best, laugh and giggle till you go overboard and be cheeky and over-familiar with that certain someone, contain yourself. Ask the Father to refine your character and mould it to become like His. And once He has come into your life and taken control, don't worry about all those other crazy, frivolous things, all you need to do is let your character (which is now being moulded to be like Christ's) shine through and you will attract the right kind of guy.
And guys, instead of doing 200 pushups, driving a fancy car, chatting up as many girls as you can and spending ages in the bathroom doing your hair (yes, it's no secret that some of you are as bad as us girls), surrender your life to Christ and you will attract a girl who is a sweet, gentle, meek and mild girl, a true christian who will fill your life with strength and happiness.

So next time you're tempted to show off, say a prayer and show off your christ-like character instead. I promise that your life will be happier and more fulfilled if you do.
God Bless!