P.R.A.Y. to Be Genuine – ETB #104

I’ve been at the National Religious Broadcasters conference this past week. My experiences there made me think about people and how they pitch themselves to others. There’s a time and a place for pitching yourself, such as in a job interview. But, I think as Christians, we have to be careful of constantly self-inflating or making sure that people around us know how great or wonderful or accomplished we are.

Be careful of the “defensive self.” These are the people who blame others instead of owning and being responsible for their mistakes. They puff themselves up to make themselves look good or more authoritative.

Our purpose is to elevate Jesus, not ourselves. We don’t have to self-elevate because God equips us for what we need to do. We need to be living a life that is promoting and causing other people to see the Lord because it’s not about us. We need to be teaching this truth to our children as well.

We need God to give us discernment in this area. You need to ask Him to show you when you need to step back because a person’s motivation is about self-inflation over pointing people to God. When you see this, you need to be on guard. Put up some boundaries and limit the amount of access you’re going to give this person to you and your life.

P.R.A.Y. to Be Genuine

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13 (ESV)

What are you doing to contribute to and help others? When I’m at these types of events and conferences, it’s easy to see who the takers and who the givers are. This passage from Romans clearly tells us that we are to be generous and help others.

The acronym P.R.A.Y. will help you remember for yourself and teach this to your children.

P – Pray and praise. Set your mind on the Spirit. Praise the Lord. Praise others for who God made them to be.

R – Repent. God doesn’t exalt the proud, but the broken-hearted.

A – Appointments. Ask God for divine appointments and conversations. Ask Him to lead you to people you can help. Be full of compassion.

Y – Yes or Yield. Know when to say yes and when to say no. Say yes to God and yield to His leading.

In these crazy times, have you fallen into the habit of self-elevation and defending yourself? Instead, let’s be given to hospitality. Find ways to use your gifts, strengths, and talents. Hold fast to what is good. Let your love for others be genuine. Be faithful and obedient to what He has called you to do.