Boast About This

Jeremiah 9:23-24  23 “This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom, or the strong boast of their strength, or the rich boast of their riches, 24 but let the one who boasts, boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.”  (NIV)

What a blessing when the WISEST person in the room solves a knotty problem!  But what happens when that same wise person brags about where everyone else would be without them?

What a blessing when the STRONGEST person in the group does the heavy lifting!  But what happens when that strong girl belittles anyone who dares to get close to them?

What a blessing when God allows WEALTH to be gathered!  But what happens when the wealthy puff up and do all they can to let everyone else know how rich they are?

God says to never boast about any of those things.  He has something else in mind.  Where would you be without Jesus and his forgiveness?  Brag about that instead of any personal wisdom.  What would happen to you if God refused to pay for your guilt, and do your heavy lifting?  Talk about that instead of whatever personal strength you’ve manufactured.  How much wealth would be in your hands if God didn’t keep your heart beating and lungs pumping?  Boast about how God has given you EVERYTHING, including the ability to produce wealth.

Don’t worship what is created.  Instead, worship the Creator.  Let the whole world know how generous he has been to you!

Prayer:  Gracious God, give me a content heart that dials into all of your promises.  Even though the world labels them foolish, there I find eternal wisdom.  Even when I am weak, in those wonderful promises I am strong.  And when you give me wealth, even as the scrambling world says, “More than enough is NEVER enough!”  give me quiet confidence as I reflect on how good you have been to me.   Amen.