Proper Boasting

"This is what the LORD says, "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness and justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight."  Jeremiah 9:23-24

Today is another day when I read a verse of scripture and took off writing.  Please know that when I write, I am always pointing a finger back at myself.  These little articles are never intended to target anyone in particular.  I believe that God, through the Holy Spirit, gives me the thoughts and words and I only put them on paper.  He knows who needs to be encouraged or convicted.  Without a doubt, it's usually me!   But, I love how He works like that and keeps me humble!!  So on with the message!

Don't you find it easy to be "turned off" by those who boast about themselves?  We’ve all had, or still have people in our lives who display these tendencies. They have become members of the "it's all about me" crowd.  Unfortunately, this type of self-centeredness can become a normal way of life. Many times the person does not even realize that he/she portrays this type of image. 

There are many examples of "worldly" boasting. Some like to boast about their accomplishments or the amount of money they have in the bank.  Still others might boast about their beautiful home, the name brand jewelry or clothes they have acquired, the places they have been or the "important" people that they know.  There is no doubt that being wrapped up in this type of mentality and materialism will bring satisfaction for short periods of time, but scripture tells us that all but God’s Word will eventually fade away. (See Isaiah 40:8)  Things are not lasting, nor will they ever be and will only bring temporary security.

In the verse of scripture listed above, it is God Himself who clearly points us to the kind of boasting that will last. He tells us it is of Him that we should always boast.  The ultimate goal, over and above anything else in our lives, should be the desire to know God more intimately and "boast" only of Him.  When we recall the many ways that God has blessed us and shown His love for us, we will automatically have the desire to tell others how He can do the same for them.

Why not begin by spending time reading God's Word. Talk to Him as you would a loving Father.  Spend time in prayer, thanking Him for who He is--all powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present. Tell Him your sorrows, trials, fears and anxieties.  He understands and is there to comfort you.  Once you feel the peace that only God can bring, you cannot help but properly boast about how He has touched your life for the better. Let your thoughts dwell on Him as you go about your day and take any opportunity you are given to tell others about Him.  This is the type of boasting that He wants us to be involved in.

Prayer:  Father, God, we come before You acknowledging it is of You alone that we have the right to boast. We ask Your forgiveness if we have, in any way, ever been perceived to have boasted of worldly things and not of the lasting things that come from You.  We thank you for Your generous love, which You demonstrated by sending You Son, Jesus Christ, to bridge the gap between ourselves and You.  Thank You for Your everlasting love, the one thing that will keep our pride in check and rid us of worldly boasting.  Help us to boast of Your love to others as we are given the opportunity.  We pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Amen