Braggy old man

We started a new discipleship group last night. Right off the bat, I had to ask the group members to forgive me for bragging. This is where I’d like to blame or make excuses for sarcasm, but…no. I don’t know what got into me. For a moment I forgot who I am. 

Has that happened to you? It happens to me more than I’d like. The “old man” wants to be first, he elbows for prominence, grabs the best seat and the last piece of pie, and then rolls haughty eyes at the new man. He distracts, inflates, blames, shames, puffs, and accuses like a corrupt prosecutor hunting another head for his wall. I don’t know about you, but I just forget sometimes that God has freed me from the old man, and then I’m embarrassed, like I got off the bus at the wrong stop. 

I need help. Holy Spirit, drive Your word into my heart like a tent peg, deep enough to hold when the old man tries to tear down what You put up. 

Praise be to the Lord, 

for he has heard my cry for mercy. 

The Lord is my strength and my shield; 

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. 

My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. 

The Lord is the strength of his people, 

a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. 

Save your people and bless your inheritance; 

be their shepherd and carry them forever. (Psalms 28:6-9)