Showing Off
Posted in Daily Focus on Thursday, November 7, 2013
"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit" (Proverbs 29:23).
My son and daughter had finished their schoolwork early and were heading out the door to go on a long bike ride for the remainder of the afternoon. I was looking forward to the additional free time from our homeschooling day to work in my flower garden. I waved and smiled as they left the yard and said, "Have a nice time." Little did I know, the plans for the afternoon were soon to change.
I watched as my son decided to show his sister that he could ride a bike without using his hands. Showing off, he continued riding until he reached a patch of loose gravel on our road. In an instant, he was airborne like a cartoon character and landed with a thud in the middle of the road. Unfortunately, he didn't bounce back. I ran to pick up his bleeding body and checked for broken bones.
Showing off usually leads to some type of catastrophe. King Hezekiah made such a mistake when he decided to show his possessions to the king of Babylon (2 Kings 20:12-13). Isaiah rebuked him for being so foolish and prophesied, "Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD" (vs.17). The king of Babylon knew a good thing when he saw it. He conquered Jerusalem many years later and carried away every one of those treasures.
Do you struggle with wanting to impress others? Do you flaunt your possessions or achievements, so other people will think highly of you? Do you doubt your worth in the Lord's eyes so much that you puff yourself up to find value? Don't be like a child and show off. Humble yourself before you are humiliated by your actions. God's Word says, "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:5-6).
Lord, forgive me for robbing You of Your glory when I show off in front of others. Everything I have and am is because of You. May You receive all glory and praise. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(23 comments)
LAWRENCE R 11/07/2009 07:48:53
I don't home school my kids directly but my wife does. I help out ocassionally with science projects. I just wanted to thank you for the "Daily Focus." I have learned a great deal and been reminded of things I had quickly put in the past. This specific one on "Showing Off" should be read by every adult, teenager, small child, just every one who has the ability to read. The necessity of humility can not be under rated and should be part of every one's character. Thank you for the reminder and keep up the great work.
LORI H 11/07/2010 06:28:38
I kinda liked the old format. It wasn't until I wanted to see what a poster had said that I realized the last several days I wasn't getting the "whole story." I rarely have enough time to check all my email daily as I'm on Homeschool lists, political lists, pro-life, Christian, etc. Please consider those of us who enjoy your stories and Scriptures but are too busy to click for the rest of it (or to realize there IS a REST OF IT!)
Thanks!
RENEE H 11/07/2010 07:22:51
I also agree with Lori H. regarding the old format. It was easier to read and enjoy all on one page. None of us are too lazy to click for the next page, but all of our our time is limited because of the demands of life. I would not recommend the new format style to friends or family.
JACQUELYN B 11/07/2010 07:26:58
I also am commenting to say I'm not happy with having to click and being sent to your website to have to click to close advertisements and wait to open your website. I usually tell all my new homeschool friends about your morning devotionals but I will not if this format stays. I have been receiving your morning devotionals for years but I am considering unsubscribing if this new format stays
TAMMY R 11/07/2010 08:31:03
In response about the format, I am more likely not to wait for my computer, therefore will be missing the lesson to be learned.
OLIVIA S 11/07/2010 08:57:32
Can anyone tell me what this means, I don't know why I'm not getting it! What are signs your showing off, I know this is common sense, but what if you don't know you are? I just really want to know the details! And also,
THESE QUESTIONS:
can someone explain these questions in a more meaningful way, or easy to read version! thanks
Do you struggle with wanting to impress others? Do you flaunt your possessions or achievements, so other people will think highly of you? Do you doubt your worth in the Lord's eyes so much that you puff yourself up to find value? Don't be like a child and show off. Humble yourself before you are humiliated by your actions. God's Word says, "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:5-6).
AMBER B 11/07/2010 09:49:06
I loved the old format! The devotional is a blessing and I love reading 1st thing in the morning....but the old format was just better:)
NYEMA J 11/07/2010 11:51:54
Sisters, it seems like we are missing the message. The article is admonishing us to walk in humility. However, we are constantly complaining about her format. We should be thankful that she takes this time to send us these encouraging devotionals. I know this format may be a little inconviencing. Nonetheless, it is just another click of a button. All I ask is that you would be considerate of the way she choose to do things and thank the Lord for these insightful devotions.
VIRGINIA T 11/07/2010 16:53:18
Not complaining about the content, but the format may influence my choice of devotionals. There is something to be said for keeping things simple, quick, and easy. I also preferred the old format.
EILEEN M 11/07/2010 17:04:44
It is wonderful to see moms taking advantage of teaching moments like these. Homeschooling helps us correct the mistakes our children make right after the occurrence. I wonder what happens in public schools? Parents seem to have much greater insight into this area when children are young. Especially with Christ at the helm, everything comes from Him and is directed to Him. Therefore, correction is aimed at fulfilling the Divine will of the One who sets the standard - God Himself!
KIMBERLY S 11/07/2010 17:12:21
Great devotional! It's unfortunate everyone's focusing on their 'inconvenience' with the format and are missing today's message...be grateful! Seriously!
Grace B 11/07/2010 23:47:07
This was enlighting.
Merry K 11/08/2010 17:24:56
I don't see the messages about preferring the old format as complaints. I see them as letting the writer know what her public prefers. If no-one tells her, how would she know? I would want to know about my readers experience if I were the writer.
I also prefer the old format; especially when my laptop is running slowly, I may never get around to reading the end of the article. For those of you with modern computers, it may not be as much of a problem, but many homeschoolers on budgets are using old equipment that isn't so quick to "click."
CHRISTY K 11/11/2010 13:26:08
I absolutly love these devotionals. I also prefer the old format due to living out in the country and very slow internet, however will continue to read them even if they remain with the new format. Thanks so much for your encouraging words of wisdom and reminders. I am a homeschooling mom and find them to be just what I need to hear each day!
CHRISTA T 11/16/2010 16:15:05
I agree that we should be thankful for these wonderful, timely devotions regardless of the format! In a day and time where one can receive plenty of "watered down" truth, these devotionals are always right on target. I can tell her emails are bathed in prayer and show time spent with the Lord. Thanks so much for each and every one.
RYAN E 11/17/2010 07:07:19
Hello, everyone, and thanks for your comments on the format of our Daily Focus emails. You'll be happy to know and we hope you've noticed that we have taken out the "read more" button and are letting you read the entire devotion within your email. Thanks again for your feedback!
NICOLE D 11/07/2011 07:37:00
I just want to say Thank you for these devotionals! I have been feeling very defeated with homeschooling lately.I keep needing to push myself to keep going and constantly tell myself why I am doing this. Your devotionals help uncloud my vision and help me see clearly even if it is minute by minute and hour by hour.
KRISTA F 11/07/2011 08:17:54
THANK YOU for these Devotions.
This is my first year to Homeschool I took my daughter from a very good,Christian, private school. So my decision has been a struggle. Because I have only one child, there is room for doubts. Because of these, I can see the things I go through are not unique to me. My journey would have been far more difficult without these.
Again, Thank You
VANESSA W 11/07/2011 08:47:41
I enjoy these devotions. The format is not an issue. Well worth the time and effort.
JOHN & REBECCA B 11/07/2011 13:43:37
No prob here with the format. Posts are exceptionally awesome and refreshing. Thank-you to everyone who takes time to blog/comment. We are homeschooling our 15 yr.old and since her brothers(ages 40 & 30)& sister(32) are much older, the journey has been somewhat lonely except for AOP on Twitter,facebook and here. GBY ALL!!
MELISSA D 11/09/2011 20:21:51
I agree with both opinions as far as being grateful and helping her know what format is easier. It also might have been thought of as helping because most writing and computation surveys are always asking people their opinions. I too have old equipment and am always clicking error's off my screen, and i am sure everyone is greatful for God working through her in these devotionals as I sure am too. God bless you all have a great day tomorrow.
KATHY S 11/07/2012 07:17:46
Olivia S.
I can\'t answer exactly, but I think I get her meaning.
I guess if you are \"purposley\" trying to show off then it is wrong.
Example; you get a brand new diamond necklace, of course you will want to wear it (who wouldn\'t?). But, if you start wearing thast diamond necklace only because you want others to know that you own a diamond necklace, and you are flaunting it to everyone everywhere, then it\'s wrong.
So, if you are just weraing it because you like it, then it\'s o.k.
This is what I\'m getting. The \"Elders\" are usually a reference to the Elders in the church, they don\'t necissarly have to be \"Old\", just at the church the longest and full of wisdom.
We don\'t have \"Elders\" at our church, just 5 Pastor\'s. My brothers church has the \"Elder\" thing.
I guess it\'s good, if your Pastors were busy and you needed advice or counsel, you could ask and \"Elder\" if you have them at your church. Sometimes I ask my older brother for advice reguarding God, he ha been a Christian longer than I and knows the Bible inside and out, I don\'t , so I ask him alot of times.
There\'s another example; if my brother went around \"Quoting\" the Biblke to everyone everywhere, because he is so smart and knows it so well, he would be showing off. If he hunbly answered others questions or debated a person of a non Christian faith trying to lead them to Christ, then he wouldn\'t be showing off.
That\'s the best I can do. Maybe someone else with more insight would be better to explain, but I thought I\'d try.
Keep up all your great work in your homeschooling Olivia! And questions are always good, that\'s the way to learn!!!
God Bless!
Jody Friedrich 11/08/2013 18:02:55
Hello Olivia; I so know what you are talking about when you talk about a Christian who flaunts knowing the Word and constantly quoting Scripture in different instances. We have a family member who does this constantly, yet his life is one of alcoholism and strife. He constantly says unkind things. My children cringe when they realize it's him on the phone and don't want him to visit. How very sad! I believe that's what this devotional was trying to warn us about.