The Boastful Will Not Stand--Feb. 24, 2020

[From Feb. 12, 2018 archive]

Peter was afraid,

afraid of what would happen to Jesus,

afraid of what might happen to himself.

And so, he denied his dearest friend. 

In his fear, Peter wanted to be

well thought of.

At least Peter's life was at stake.

My desire to be well thought of

is much harder to justify

 before you, Jesus.

Usually I remember not to boast,

but that does not mean I do not cherish

praise from others, especially whomever

I hold in high esteem.  I even covet

appreciation for my humility

and for my good deeds.

Christ have mercy

on my selfish ambition

and on my conceit.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 5; 145; 82; 29

Prov. 27:1-6, 10-12

Phil. 2:1-13

John 18:15-18, 25-27

Selected Verses

Ps. 5:5

The boastful will not stand before your eyes;
          you hate all evildoers. 

Prov. 27:2

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth —

          a stranger, and not your own lips.

Phil. 2:3-4

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves.  Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

John 18:17

The woman said to Peter, “You are not also one of this man's disciples, are you?”  He said, “I am not.”