♫ I can be the very best/like no one ever was ♫

matthew 6:1-5

recently, i've been plagued by someone who sits nearby me in class and won't stop bragging.  that person is undoubtedly an intelligent person, but it's seriously gotten to the point where i basically can't take it anymore, and despite that person's achievements, i know many others who've attained similar levels of "success."  what's potentially even more frustrating is that this person continues to specifically speak to me about those achievements and i'm pretty much fed up.  i have many rebuttals to make against those claims of extreme superiority over everyone else and that flouting of personal ability is just an act--someone futile attempt--to gain both the attention and flattering praise of those within earshot.

so i read this section of matthew about the consequence of "practicing your righteousness" in front of others.  to me, that essentially equates to "if you brag to others about how good you are, God will reward you with nothing." instead, conduct good works for God and not others--don't announce what you've done to them.  then you will be rewarded by God who sees what you've secretly done--not for the recognition and praise, but out of genuine compassion and love.

God's message to me extends beyond a commentary on pride and stance in favor of humility though.  reading this, i realize i need to also take care to close my lips.  ive been severely tempted to retaliate at that bragging person by talking about my own accomplishments--even though everything i have actually belongs to God--and "proving" that i'm just as good.  i realize how unnecessary and stupid that is, on my behalf, though.  i ought to just smile and congratulate that other student.  there's no need to be equally ridiculous and absurdly arrogant.  if people see me in action, then they see me; if they dont, they dont.  regardless, God knows how i've been able to glorify his name and how ive tried to conduct myself in a matter pleasing to him.  besides that, if i brag in "retaliation," then im just a hypocrite.

so i resolve to simply accept that person's need for attention and i will just smile kindly.  if possible, maybe i can sort of just ignore that other student.  i mean, that way i won't make a snarky reply loaded with achievement-related come backs, right?  i should publicly acknowledge God's role in anything I find success through, and keep that success on the down low.  celebrate with family, but don't make anything excessive.  besides, it's all transient in the end, isn't it?  with that, i have decided on something particular.  when asked about where i'm headed for school next year, the reply will be just the name of the university--alone without mention of scholarships.  that's for the best.