NOT BEING PUFFED UP BY GIFTS
“If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message,” 2 Corinthians 12:6 NLT
There is a common temptation that many gifted and chosen vessels of God in ministry sometimes face, and that is one of exalting self beyond measure.
When the Lord entrusts us with gifts, whether it be wisdom, leadership, spiritual insight, or influence, it is easy to begin believing that the fruit was born by our own hand. Paul possessed divine revelation beyond measure, yet his restraint teaches us something holy.
He would rather be underestimated by men than mislabeled as the source of his own grace. To boast in yourself is not merely prideful, even if what you are boasting is true, it is spiritually disorienting. It shifts the glory from Christ to clay jars. And clay jars, no matter how polished, cannot carry the weight of glory without cracking.
So the Spirit lovingly guards us, sometimes by limiting applause, sometimes by allowing a thorn that humbles. Sometimes by reminding us that power rests not in charisma, gifts, or eloquence, but in Christ alone. God does not shame us for being gifted; He frees us from being enslaved to our gifts. True humility is not pretending we have nothing, it is acknowledging we have nothing we did not receive. When people look at us, may they see grace more than gifting.
May our lives preach louder than our mouths, and our posture of dependence testify louder than our strengths.
Prayer: My Father, thank You for every gift You have entrusted to me. My heart is guarded from being lifted up in self-glory, and I am taught to delight in Your strength rather than my ability. May my life speak truth louder than my lips, and may any honor that comes my way rise back to You like incense. Give me the grace to walk low, serve quietly, and shine only with the light You placed within me. Let Your power be the story, and Your name be the boast. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• James 4:6
• Proverbs 27:2
• Philippians 2:3
