It is in our human nature to boast in ourselves; our abilities or wealth. It’s tempting to boast in whatever we think makes us stronger, better, or smarter than anyone else. It may be how much money we have. How much we can bench press. How good we are at sports. The car(s) we have. Our house. College degrees. Good looks. Our job. It is easy for us to want to boast in these kinds of things.
But all of those things are vain. Worldly. Useless when it comes to eternity and salvation. None of those things will deliver us from sin. We could have everything in this world we could ever want, but if we lose our soul in hell then what good is it?
Notice what is written for us in Jeremiah 9:23-24, “Thus says the LORD: ‘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, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.'”
God is telling us not to get a big head with worldly things. You might be strong, wise, or rich. So what?! If you don’t have God you don’t have anything. Without God we are nothing. Without God we are lost. Without God we have no hope.
God is a God of love, justice, and righteousness. We need to rejoice in that! Come to know His love, justice, and righteousness. Come to Him and faithfully obey Him so that we can receive His great love and righteousness. Then we have to imitate Him. Live in His love, justice, and righteousness. Be loving. Be just. Be righteous. Then, and only then, can we truly boast and rejoice! But we do not boast in ourselves. It is all about boasting in the Lord. Giving Him all glory and praise. Living to please Him in everything that we say, do, or think.
What are you boasting in? What is important to you? Do you know more about your accomplishments and pleasures than you do God? What are you taking more happiness from: God or worldly things? What are you accomplishing spiritually? Think about it.
Do not boast in money or strength or learning. Boast in the LORD God Almighty. Know Him. His love. Power. Wisdom. Knowledge. Grace. Live for Him. And boast of Him to others.
A Cord of Blue 