We’ve all done it — bragged — whether intentional or not. Not only should all glory go to God for your accomplishments, but bragging may not get the reaction you think. Say you tell someone you made ten million dollars last year. Rather than the reaction you’re expecting, you may instead:

1.) Look foolish. Ten million dollars? I paid more than that last year in taxes.

2.) Hurt someone else’s feelings. I’ll never be good enough.

3.) Create a rival. I’ll show her! Next year I’ll make twenty million dollars!

4.) Cause someone to lose respect for you. I never thought he’d be so prideful.

5.) Make an enemy. I hope someone knocks her down a notch.

Does this mean you can never share your successes with others? Of course not. Just choose wisely. Try to stick with people who are really rooting for you, and whose success you feel vested in. You can talk about both successes and sorrows with special people who share your life in a meaningful way. You’ll know that they will really be happy for you when you make that ten million dollar goal and be genuinely sorry when things don’t go your way. Think about it — you know who those people are. Does anyone else’s opinion really matter?

Your turn:

Who’s the first person you tell when things go your way?

What is the best way to deal with envy?