6 Things Christians Shouldn't Brag About

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There are many references to bragging in the Bible. Proverbs 27:1 – do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Jeremiah 9:23 – let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the might man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches. There are several more references that discuss the act of bragging and why it’s not something that should be entertained. Oftentimes Christians believe that boasting is purely showing your pride and glorifying yourself. However, boasting oneself takes away from the glory of the Lord. Those who see God’s glory being disassembled also believe that Christians should let God be the one who is encouraging others.

It's important that Christians identify the difference between being blessed and bragging. While your hard work may have earned some great perks, it’s important to remember the bigger picture – everyone else doesn’t have the same opportunities or circumstances that you have.

Accomplishments

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When you’ve worked your butt off, there’s no hiding how proud you are of your accomplishments and the list of achievements made possible by your hard work. However, it’s equally important that those accomplishments are not flaunted around to make others feel bad. Confused, here’s an example. You’ve worked hard for years to save up for a new car. Driving your new car from point A to point B is not bragging about the car, but boasting about your car to others that can’t afford that price tag is bragging.

It’s okay to be happy about the accomplishments that you make in life, but it’s not okay to make others feel like their own accomplishments are any less awesome. Do your best to be humble about the new heights that you achieve in life. You can do this by not waving tangible items in other people’s faces and by staying grounded and realistic. Keeping the fact in hindsight that others are not privy to the same opportunities is a great way to keep a realistic state of mind when it comes to accomplishments.

Faith

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Everyone has their own relationship with Jesus Christ. No one’s is better than another person. Faith is meant to bring people together and not cause a line to be drawn. Instead of categorizing your faith and connection to God as stronger than someone else’s, look for ways faith can bring a community as a unified state. For example if you’re discussing a scripture in your church’s small group, you wouldn’t say that your interpretation was more meaningful than someone else’s interpretation, right? Of course not because that would imply that your connection to faith is “better” than someone else’s. One of the great things about being is a Christian is knowing that everyone has a unique connection with God – and that different connection helps everyone because it allows Christians to teach each other.

Faith is a great connector and is meant to build bridges amongst people. Bragging about faith causes stereotypes to form and builds a wedge.

Health

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Unfortunately, everyone is not granted the same bill of health. Therefore no one should ever take their health for granted and brag about theirs being better than anyone else’s. Life can change in the blink of an eye. You never truly know what could happen at any given minute – which is why you should never boast your own health as being better than someone else. Each day millions of people are diagnosed with life changing diseases and health ailments that change their lives. Most of these people didn’t have any control over their situation and to have boasting imposed on them is harmful to their self-esteem and drive to survive.

Furthermore, an individual’s health isn’t always worn on their sleeve. Boasting about your excellent health can be viewed as pompous. You can’t diagnosis cancer, HIV, or other terminal diseases by simply looking at someone – which means your bragging words could cut people deeper than you even know.

Relationships

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Relationships are what we as individuals make of them. Unfortunately, things like estrangement and life events can change relationships. As Christians, we must understand and recognize that everyone is now granted the same circle of people in their life. For example someone may have lost their parents to a tragedy early in life or perhaps an estrangement had disassembled a family – either way Christians should embrace others with open arms. The fact that a person may have a great team of people behind them shouldn’t be something that’s advertised.

Instead of constantly mentioning the people in your life to others – give those special individuals recognition directly. This will help them feel recognized and will alleviate the need for you to express to others constantly about the numerous relationships and supporters that you have.

Education

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You went to college? That’s fantastic! But not so fantastic to someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to better themselves with a college education. While you may be very proud of your alma mater, you don’t want someone else to feel slighted. Boasting your education around can cause people to feel uneasy and make them feel like they’re less of an individual because of the great achievements you can’t stop talking about.

Instead of talking about your own education constantly, think about the ways you can give back. Giving back to others will help you feel great about your educational investment and will also benefit others. This is a great way of using your skills without bragging about them endlessly. There are a number of volunteering options available. Check with your local recreation centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, churches and other shelters that provide resources from less fortunate families. Utilize your education for the greater good.

Money

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Money is a very touchy subject because some people have none of it, others have a little and a few have a lot of it. Unfortunately, money can cause serious emotions to develop and create rifts within tight knit circles. Do your best to never discuss your financial situation in a bragging state of mind. It’s okay to have discussions about financial decisions that you’re making to better your family, however it’s not okay to do it in a boasting manner – where someone else can feel like you’re casting judgment or looking down on them.

Bragging about money can also take form if you purchase lavish gifts for others who you know can’t afford those items. While your initial intentions may be from a good place, the outlandishly expensive gift can cause someone to feel belittled. Or if you’re constantly name and label dropping, those references can be deemed as a form of bragging.

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