The Braggers

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:1-3; Jeremiah 9:23-24

Kegan was the smartest boy in his Sunday school class, and everyone knew it—especially Kegan! “How come you didn’t get all the words right?” he asked Celeste after the class had recited their memory verse. “That verse is so easy I could say it in my sleep.”

Kegan wasn’t the only one who bragged. After the lesson about Samson, Andrew stood up. “I bet I’m about as strong as Samson,” he said, flexing his muscles.

Alice shrugged and reached into her pocket as Mr. Townsend picked up the basket to collect the offering. “Look what Dad gave me for the offering today,” she said, waving a ten-dollar bill. “I bet none of you has this much to put in.”

Mr. Townsend finished taking the offering, and then he set his lesson book aside. “Turn in your Bibles to Jeremiah 9:23 and 24,” he said, “and read those verses silently.” The room was quiet while the class read the verses. “Does anybody want to comment on this passage?” asked Mr. Townsend.

“According to this, we’re not supposed to brag like some people in this class were doing,” said Levi.

“Yeah,” said Addie. “Andrew shouldn’t brag about his strength, and Alice shouldn’t be proud just because her family has a lot of money.”

“And Kegan shouldn’t brag about being smart,” declared Celeste with a scowl.

“Right!” said Tristan. “I’m glad I don’t brag like that.”

“Whoa! It sounds like you might be proud of your humility though,” said Mr. Townsend. Tristan looked a little startled, and Mr. Townsend continued. “Instead of pointing fingers at others, let’s each think about ourselves for a minute. Notice that verse twenty-four says the only thing we should boast about is that we know the Lord. What do you think that means?”

“We should be happy and thankful we know Jesus as our Savior,” said Addie.

“Yeah, and we shouldn’t brag about stuff we have or what we can do, because it all comes from Him anyway,” said Levi.

Mr. Townsend nodded. “That’s right. God created us, saved us, and gave us everything we have. He deserves all the glory, not us. Instead of trying to make ourselves look good, let’s tell others about the great things He’s done.” Raelene E. Phillips

How About You?

Are you proud? Do you brag about what you have or what you can do? It’s good to be thankful for those things, but they’re nothing to boast about. God made you who you are and gave you everything you have—it all comes from Him. The only thing worth boasting about is that you know Jesus as your Savior. Tell others about all He’s done for you so they’ll want to know Him too.

Today’s Key Verse:
Jeremiah 9:24 But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t brag about yourself