We are like mist/vapour

Americans are often horrified and confused by our ‘ribbing’ sense of humour. They fail to understand that an Aussie’s friendship is tough. It does not need to be affirmed with nice platitudes; it would rather a punch on the arm than a group hug (with blokes anyway).

While we may not be guilty of bragging about ourselves, we are often guilty of boasting without even realising it. When we talk about our plans for the future as though we are going to make them happen, that’s a form of boasting. For example I might say “Next year I’m going to change my job, move interstate, buy a house and settle down.” This kind of talking is very common; we do it all the time.

The problem with this kind of talking is that it is a form of boasting. We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow, let alone next year. God tells us that our life is like vapour which appears for a little time and then vanishes (James 4:14). No matter how hard vapour believes in itself it cannot resist the slightest breeze. Your whole life, from birth to death, is like a shooting star that streaks across the night sky – it shines brightly for an instant and then it is gone.

From our perspective, it would seem that we are able to do many things – to live our lives the way we want to. In reality we are completely dependent on God for every single breath we take. He lends us our lives for a time not so that we can do ‘whatever’ but so that we can love God and love people. When we make plans we should consider what God wants us to do. In summary, God wants us to love Him and to love people as we love ourselves.

Find out more, watch or listen to the message “Don’t boast” at www.godsgap.net/pride 

the Rev (Chris Perona)

email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it