No one likes a 'braggart' ...
Why?

Because we know inherently that bragging is a sign of thinking too highly of oneself, and at the same time, considering others' accomplishments and talents and abilities inferior to their own. Of course, there are a few who brag to cover up low self esteem or a lack of confidence in themselves, but the true braggart is annoying and offensive to say the least.

So, most of us are careful not to speak of our own gifts, (patting ourselves on the back) and especially in the Christian community. We don't want to appear vain, arrogant, conceited, haughty, or proud. And rightly so, as the Scriptures warn against these attitudes. And, in fact, tell us to consider (esteem) others more than ourselves.

But, have you ever considered that we may sometimes go too far in the opposite direction in trying to be humble and modest? This is the subject that I want to address here. I've even heard some people berate themselves and downplay their talents almost as if they were afraid to acknowledge the gift at all. This is especially evident in the fact that some of us are uncomfortable when complimented or applauded for our contribution in helping, encouraging, or blessing another with a special ability or talent.

In some cases, it's what I call false modesty because the person complimented or thanked is well aware that they've been able to help someone because of the gift or ability they possess. False modesty is saying to myself that I COULD boast about my gifts, but I dare not because I'll be thought of as a braggart. But a true appreciation and knowledge of where my gifts come from and why I have been given those gifts brings me joy and a feeling of satisfaction because I have something to share and God planned for me to share them in
HIS NAME and for HIS GLORY.
I'm able to reach out with His Hand to touch and help someone in some way that is unique and loving.

Now, this problem is not necessarily gender specific, but I'd venture to say that women are more prone to this. We want to be known for our sweetness and modesty. And the character trait of gentleness of spirit is one to be highly coveted in a woman.

Here now is a point I'd like to make.
First, we must KNOW that our talents and abilities are GIFTs from GOD!

No good gift is of any making of our own. In fact, there are certain things, that while we're able to cultivate, improve on, and mature in them, they're given to us, I believe, before we're even born! Look at what we see in an artist, a composer, a writer, a singer, a scientist, a teacher, and more, ... all the expression of greatness that has been displayed in the world through mankind. Of course we live in a fallen state in this world, but the gifts of God are pure and undefiled. God did not pervert any of His gifts! Man did. But when we're converted, these gifts take on the very nature of God. Just think of it, how very precious and valuable His gifts are, and how precious and valuable we are to Him to have been given gifts, those talents and abilities, generously and without our own merit, from our Heavenly Father!

ALL gifts from God are beautiful! And ... valuable - priceless - precious - honorable - delightful - good - beneficial - pleasant - excellent ... the list could go on and on.
WHY does HE give these good gifts??
First, because He's the creator of all things good, and He desires that all things good come to us because He loves us dearly. And He wants us to share these gifts in the same way ... to GIVE .. for the building up of the church and the blessing and edification of others and ourselves in love, and in so doing, bring Him glory and honor!

Do You Find Beauty in Your Gifts?

I was pondering this recently and after much thought I've come to see some things more clearly. I must find beauty in the gifts God has given to me personally, and appreciate them, be thankful for them, even admire them. Because after all they weren't of my own doing. They were given to me. And if I can cherish them without being proud and vain, then I must do so and not downplay them or deny them.

I'm certainly not saying we should go around telling others how great our gifts are (though they ARE, because they come from HIM!) instead I should be all the more willing and happy to USE (not just talk about) them to edify others, secure in the knowledge that I'm doing God's will by not burying my talents in the ground. Remember the parable of the talents? ... Matthew, Chapter 25

Some of us who don't write, compose music, paint pictures, sing, etc.,
don't realize our gifts in the way we should.
Consider these things:

Are you a good wife, faithful and loving to your husband?
Husbands need a godly wife.

Are you a patient Mother, loving to your children?
We need to be nurtured and secure.

Are you witty and have a good sense of humor? We need to laugh!
Laughter doeth good like a medicine

Are you a good listener, honestly interested in what others have to say?
We need to feel that someone cares about our thoughts or feelings.

Are you kind and compassionate, feeling others' pain or sorrow?
We need to have our burdens shared.

Do you have a way with words to encourage and uplift?
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing. Proverbs 16:24

Are you a good and loyal friend?
We need the joy and fulfillment of comfortable companionship.

Are you organized and efficient?
We need order in our lives in the church and home and the world.

Are you a teacher in your home, school, church or anywhere?
We need those who stimulate our minds to grow.

Do you love and respect your parents and the elders
in your family?
Our parents deserve and enjoy our devotion.

Are you generous and share what you're able to give?
We all need help at times.

Do you know just what to say to cheer a person?
People brighten almost visibly to cheerfulness.

There are so many gifts I could mention here, but time and space prevent me from doing so. My point is that we all have gifts. And they're ALL valuable and precious in the scheme of things. And we should honestly and genuinely admire them in each other and be thankful for them in ourselves so that we cherish them rightly. And we can glory in the Lord, finding beauty in our gifts! Because they are beautiful! And we should esteem them highly as treasures from our loving Father .... as Jesus said, "...
Who gives good gifts to His children ..."

by Genelle ©2003
You're very welcome to copy and share this,
but please don't change the content, so I won't be misquoted.
Thank you for your consideration.
I pray that God will bless you by what I've written.
I believe I was led by The Holy Spirit.

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