The Christian Humblebrag
We Christians are a braggadocios bunch, aren’t we?
“We sure did have some good church today!” (obviously I live in the South)
“God is doing amazing things in my life.”
These are examples of bragging, whether we realize it or not. And you know what? That’s okay! We’re bragging on God, and since it’s okay for us to be boasting in the Lord and what not, we’re allowed to let it happen.
However, I’ve noticed a certain trend starting to pick up around the Christian water cooler (aka the two headed monster that is Facebook/Twitter), and while it’s closely related to the outright Christian brag (maybe a cousin, maybe a second uncle perhaps), it’s actually much more self-serving. I’m, of course, speaking of the Christian humblebrag. Yes, it’s a thing. And no, I’m not making up words (someone else did. Check out the Twitter account @Humblebrag for more. It’s hilarious).
A humblebrag is a braggadocios statement that wraps itself in the warm, velvety yet deceptive covers of being “blessed” or “humbled”. Some examples include:
“Honored that God has used me to win so many souls this year!”
“Humbled that I was chosen to speak at [insert huge Christian event here] for the tenth year in a row.”
And my personal favorite,
“Wow! Blessed that over 3,000 of you have been blessed by my new podcast!” (this may or may not be an actual statement from someone I may or may not follow on Twitter…or I did before they may or may not have tweeted this).
I mean…I just…I mean. What?!
He’s blessed that so many of his followers have been blessed by his talking into a mic? Whaaaat? And did he really have to mention the actual number? No no no, he did not. Instead, he’s making sure that we know that because of his podcast, 3,000 souls have been blessed and are now on their way to Heaven but for reals this time! Hallelujah!
Tttthhhttpppttt!! (that’s me blowing a raspberry) (ask your parents if you don’t know what that means)
It’s one thing to brag on what God’s doing for us or our church, but to insert ourselves somewhere into a statement of praise so that we get a bit of glory is just a bit…ugh, you know? I think we’re better than that as Christians and overall human beings, don’t you? At least I sure hope so.
Really it all boils down to this: who deserves the glory the most? Us or the One who created you, me, and ya momma too?
Exxxaaaaactly.
Follow me on Twitter here. Thanks for reading!
Also, I’m humbled that so many of you are blessed by this post!
You’re so right! This is a growing epidemic. It’s sad and I say we need to pray for these people.
AHHH…YES! Thank you for writing this.
And I may or may not have also followed that person who may or may not have tweeted that statement and may or may not have unfollowed them shortly after reading that tweet.
Reblogged this on Just Peachey.
i stopped when i realized it. we should give Him praise in a personal level in our quiet time with Him. it’s the motive of our heart. in our private life it should be more shown how much we love Him.
Wow! It’s unbelievable how often we, as Christians, do this. Though it is not totally uncommon in the world as a whole, it truly is a growing epidemic in the church. I often stumble across fbook posts or hear people making such humblebrag comments and it is a huge turnoff. God is to get all the glory for everything, and we are mere instruments meant to play the background and He uses us to enlarge His kingdom. Great post!