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It’s painful to admit, but my loudest boasts in Christ at times became my greatest embarrassments.

A little brag about my reading time, prayer life, spiritual or ministry achievement or level of commitment. I’m not proud about it but at least I can be honest with myself and you.

I don’t think I’m alone in this. We like to believe better things about our devotion to Christ and commitment to His ways. At least I do. But then we get tested.

At the gym, we find out how strong people are, not by the weights they lift, but when the bar is on their neck! You won’t know how much you can boast, until you fail.

I’ve learned by experience that your loudest testimony may become your next test. God will see to that! You may not like it, but it’s for your good.

Peter finds the bar on his neck when his “I’ll die for you Jesus” (Luke 22:33) turns mere hours later into his infamous three denials. Ouch!

Yet the Lord knew Peter was going to fail (Luke 22:34). And even warned him (v. 32).

So, who knows you better, you or Jesus? Peter meant it but he didn’t really know himself. That’s probably true of us too, right?

Maybe you’ve been saying, “I’d never do that” (while hiding what you do -- or don’t).

I’ve heard people say, my children will never be like that… but how do you know until they’re older? For others, it’s “I will always...”.

When you’re about to boast, be careful. If you’ve been boasting – look out!

As I’ve grown older, a couple verses stand out as warnings (Pro. 18:17, 1 Cor. 10:12).

I’ve seen it play out too many times to ignore. Those who boast the loudest fall the hardest. So, what’s your boast?

To be honest, I can laugh at myself over how many times I’ve boasted only to find that bar on my neck and looking for a little help from the Lord!

At other times it just plain hurt – a lot. Like it did Peter (Luke 22:54-62).

Learn from him, from me, from others around you and even your own pet boasts and failed tests. Jesus said it best in John 15:5. We do well to take heed.

Whatever you protest loudest, boast the most, affirm with deep conviction for all to hear… will be tested. 

Personally, I think Jesus will help you “fail” so you can become more humble. But also more helpful to others. Failure can become our “conversion” to strengthening others (v. 32).

You may not like this, but it’s a good work – embrace your fails and be wiser for the experience.

It’s good to have strong beliefs and deep convictions. But it’s also wise to practice them quietly until they’ve been tested and proven repeatedly and over a long period of time.

By then, you’ll boast less and be in a better position to strengthen others.

In the GO DEEPER section, I’ve added a few more thoughts and scriptures to further your understanding and application of today’s two-minute read. Go for it!

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