“But let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 10:17 (NIV)
The human desire for recognition and esteem is a fundamental aspect of our psychology; we yearn to be valued and respected by others. So we often seek to boast about our accomplishments, possessions, or social status to satisfy this desire. However, the Bible calls us to a different kind of boasting – boasting in the Lord!
Kings of ancient times gloried in their military might and great possessions. Observing this situation, the Psalmist proclaimed: “Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of our God.” (Psalm 20:7). The situation is no different today, only that horses and chariots now represent different things. This reality is a consistent theme in the scriptures.
Jeremiah warned the people of Israel that the wise should not boast in their wisdom, neither the powerful in their power nor the rich in their riches. Furthermore, he emphasised that those who wish to boast should boast only in the fact that they truly know God and understand who He is (Jeremiah 9:23-24).We boast in the Lord because our good works, which are as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6), could not have earned our salvation (Ephesians 2:9, Galatians 6:14).
The most important need of, and most valuable thing to, man – Freedom from the bondage of sin and peace and reconciliation with God – was freely given to us by God through Jesus Christ. We live for the audience of one – God. Hence, as we go on about living to please Him, enduring persecutions, and standing firm in the truth, we do not make our boast about our abilities. Rather, we boast of God’s grace and the excellence of His power at work in us (2 Corinthians 4:7, 12:9-10). We acknowledge that it is God who is at work in us both to will and to do His good works (Philippians 2:13).
Our boasting is not one laced with pride and haughtiness. Rather, it is filled with a humble acknowledgement of our utter helplessness without God and our absolute satisfaction and dependency on Him. We understand that all good things come from Him (James 1:17, Psalm 34:2-3), hence, we do not look unto those things, but unto Him from whom they come.
Dear believer, make your boast in the Lord. Testify of His help and strength, sing His praises for all to know of His goodness, and give Him thanks always with a heart full of rejoicing.
We serve God by His Spirit, boast in Christ Jesus for all He has done for and in us and we put no confidence in the flesh – in our efforts or good works (Philippians 3:3).
Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 6