Are you able to let your virtues speak for themselves, as a former Army boss of mine used to say? In the military especially is a great place to develop humility because you are serving your country not to expect a pat on the back but a good supervisor will remember to put people in for necessary commendations anyway. Many deserve their medals who have survived combat situations no ordinary person could even imagine.
No one really likes to be around those who brag. Bragging sometimes is a way to maybe prove something to someone or elevate yourself. Now there may be 'proud moms' who share things but still it is best to let people find out things on their own without tooting a horn. This could even apply to the Christian community where you 'tell others' of your service or things you did. It is more fun and rewarding when people note things themselves and give you a compliment. Sometimes inferiority complexes may cause people to feel a need to point things out to others. Whatever the case, allow God to control your talk to include feeling a need to boast.
The following are a few scriptures about being humble:
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore,as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and who's humbles himself will. Be exalted.
John 3:30. He must increase but I must decrease.
James 4:7 Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you.
2 Corinthians 10:17 Let he who boasts boast in the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23. Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
Psalm 147:6 The Lord lifts up the humble, he casts the wicked to the ground.
Matthew 6:6 But when you pray go into your room, close the door, and pray unto your Father who is unseen and then your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy , do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Think of the famous people you hear about that seem to start to get puffed up and forget the 'little people' who helped make them well known and wealthy. Often fame goes to a person's head and they may start feeling better than others. When you receive a certain degree, sure you worked hard and deserve it, but let others praise you, not yourself. I am sure you can think of other examples as well.
As a believer too we might accidentally 'share' about a good deed with a friend and do it not meaning to brag or might 'share' about a good prayer time you have had. I myself have felt convicted after I 'shared' maybe about 'prayer walking' not doing it to get someones praise but then after they say "that is awesome" I start wishing I had kept it between me and God. Your best reward is from God someday anyway. If you have messed up, do not worry, we all probably have. The thing is to be aware of maybe telling people too many things and let your praise and reward come from the Lord.
If you say " I am a humble person" maybe you aren't. Something to ponder. Ask God if there is anything you are doing or saying that would appear boastful and ask Him to take away your desire to tell others everything.
PRAYER: Lord forgive me for times I have done a good deed and shared it 'innocently' with others. Help me when I do something not to feel a need to tell people. Also help me be humble when I receive accolades from others. Help me remember to always give you the praise and glory! In Jesus name. Amen.
