Radiant Religion

Boasting, August 12

But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. James 4:16. RRe 226.1

If men could see for a moment beyond the range of finite vision, if they could catch a glimpse of the Eternal, every mouth would be stopped in its boasting.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 66. RRe 226.2

It is a wicked pride that delights in the vanity of one’s own works, that boasts of one’s excellent qualities, seeking to make others seem inferior in order to exalt self, claiming more glory than the cold heart is willing to give to God. The disciples of Christ will heed the Master’s instruction. He has bidden us love one another even as He has loved us.—Testimonies for the Church 4:223. RRe 226.3

Love rejoices in the truth, and institutes no envious comparisons. He who possesses love compares only the loveliness of Christ and his own imperfect character.... There is no religion in the enthronement of self. He who makes self-glorification his aim will find himself destitute of that grace which alone can make him efficient in Christ’s service. Whenever pride and self-complacency are indulged, the work is marred.... The smallest duty done in sincerity and self-forgetfulness is more pleasing to God than the greatest work when marred with self-seeking.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 402. RRe 226.4

Every man who praises himself, brushes the luster from his best efforts.—Testimonies for the Church 4:607. RRe 226.5

All boasting of merit in ourselves is out of place.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 401. RRe 226.6