Free from the Stronghold of Bragging

Free from the Stronghold of Bragging
Written by Christian author, Pola Muzyka.

http://strongholdsmashers.com/bible/free-stronghold-bragging/

Bragging [boasting] in this sense is not the joy [the state or feeling of being proud] of having a loving spouse, good friends, loving family, loving children, godly blessings, and so forth.

Bragging or boasting has several reasons for entering the life of its host. It can begin as a defense, insecurity, or desire to gain recognition. Of course, the first reason is always spiritual. The host has not fully submitted to God and accepted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Usually a host of bragging does not have the Holy Spirit.

Make no mistake, bragging is never alone. It defends itself vehemently. It is almost always the result of problem areas in the life of the host. Ultimately bragging will bring denial, arrogance, selfish pride, manipulation, contempt, and other strongholds along with it. Or these strongholds may be responsible for the spirit of bragging entering in. Either way, it must be stopped.

If bragging is allowed to progress and become a stronghold the host will probably become malcontent, irritated, loud mouthed, and anxious. Bragging is a thief. Physical ailments such as cardiovascular problems may enter in as well. In the end, this stronghold of bragging will kill, steal, and destroy the host.

So, what can be done? How can we recognize this stronghold and overcome it? Will we ever be completely free of bragging in our lives?

5 Biblical tips to overcome bragging:

1. Be honest with yourself and others. A sincere friend will never allow a braggart to continue bragging.

John 7:24 Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously.
Proverbs 12:5 The thoughts and purposes of the [consistently] righteous are honest and reliable, but the counsels and designs of the wicked are treacherous.

2. Repent & pray. If you’ve allowed this stronghold in, repent. Allow God to promote you at the right time and in the right way. If you know someone else who is a braggart, pray for them.

Acts 8:22 So repent of this depravity and wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought and purpose of your heart may be removed and disregarded and forgiven you.
1 John 5:16 If anyone sees his brother [believer] committing a sin that does not [lead to] death (the extinguishing of life), he will pray and [God] will give him life [yes, He will grant life to all those whose sin is not one leading to death]. There is a *sin [that leads] to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.
*The sin that leads to death is a denunciation of the true work of the Holy Spirit. Or blasphemy. EX: when the Scribes and Pharisees said that the works Jesus did were of the devil instead of the Holy Spirit.

3. Be on the lookout for any openings. Humble yourself before God and allow him to guide your path, thoughts, and actions.

Proverbs 11:2 When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also, but with the humble (those who are lowly, who have been pruned or chiseled by trial, and renounce self) are skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.

4. If you must boast, boast about Christ and what he’s done for you. That type of boasting is never wrong.

Galatians 6:14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Hebrews 3:6 Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
1 Corinthians 1:31 so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

5. Do your best to live up to any good you’re tempted to boast about and allow others seeing the results to speak well of you.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.