Daily Devotional – 12/28/16 “The cost of bragging!”

He had the big expensive house, drove the finest cars and his clothes were custom-made. He’d made a name for himself, being from a small town in MS and he made sure everybody knew it. He was raised in the church but became too busy for God. He rarely made it home but he made it a point to send the biggest box of expensive gifts, making sure the children knew, uncle did it. He was quick to offer his help but it came with conditions and he never kept it quiet. Everybody knew he was the reason momma and daddy didn’t lose their house and his brother’s business didn’t close. He was proud and stood tall, even in pictures because he was ‘thee’ man and his joy came from everybody knowing it. Then cancer showed up, claiming his once tall stature. It took the hair he glorified, the body he worshipped and put the job, he idolized, on hold. He found himself being alone at the chemo treatments and doctor appointments because nobody would answer his calls anymore.

Yet when the family he labeled a disgrace heard he was sick, they showed up. The sisters he’d wounded now wiped his mouth when the medicine made him sick. The brothers he made feel worthless made sure his home didn’t suffer. The parents he pushed away, put their life on hold for him. The God he’d forsaken, he now prayed to. The bible that was packed in the back of his closet, now lay on his chest night after night. Yea, he knew what he was doing was wrong but his weak mind and even heightened ego had him bound. He didn’t understand the cost of bragging and his fleshly arrogance. But he found out, the hard way. And for somebody reading this, don’t allow bragging to write a check your butt can’t afford to cash. Don’t let your ego be the reason you won’t evolve. Yes, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor but be mindful of being a show off. Because although our outsides are different, we all bleed red blood. And please don’t forget that our grave will be the same size and buried the same depth no matter how much the funeral/casket cost.