James 3:14 KJV
[14] “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.”
James gives a direct command in this verse to “glory not”. The tongue loves to brag on the flesh. We must be careful to guard against lifting ourselves up. The pride of self-promotion has destroyed the testimony of many people. Several years ago, I read a quote that said, “Pride and grace never dwell in the same place.”
Some people like to brag about how they have mistreated someone. They think that it makes that person look bad and themselves look good when, in reality, it’s quite the opposite. They are glorying in their strife and promoting their flesh. To glory in yourself never brings glory to God. If they claim to be a Christian, they lie against the truth because Christians do not act this way.
Some promote themselves by telling others about all of the good they have done. They don’t need the Lord to keep a record of their accomplishments because they already have one of their own. They are quick to blow the trumpet to make others aware of how God has used them. That can also cause envy and strife in the hearts of others because it can make them feel like less of a Christian. Philippians chapter two teaches us to prefer others before ourselves. We should talk about how God uses our fellow brother or sister and not ourselves. Giving God the glory for using others can keep our hearts free from envy and strife.
Self-promotion is like cancer in our society today. Social media has given a platform to any person who desires one, and that has built pride and arrogance in the hearts of many. We cannot put a price tag on humility, and it does not come naturally to any of us. Lord help me not to glory in myself.