But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
”New International Version (NIV)
My mother Nancy Brooks did not countenance a braggart. She corrected me and my brothers on this, without fail. Paul’s opponents in Corinth criticized him as meek and weak. He was tempted to brag about his achievements. But he refused. On the other hand, his detractors liked to speak about their accomplishments as “Super-Apostles.” Paul took them to task.
It is always good to boast in the Lord. To the Galatians Paul wrote, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ . . .” (Galatians 6:14). Paul bragged about God but not about himself. In the end, we will all stand before an audience of one. All of our self-commendation and self-condemnation will not stand the test of time. We only want hear the voice of the Lord saying, “Well done . . .”
Pray with me:
Father, illuminate and eliminate any false pride within us. We will not boast of our wisdom, strength or wealth. You alone are the judge of our lives. So help us to live in a way that brings you glory. With the Psalmist we pray, “Not to us, Lord. Not to us. But to your name be glory, because of your love and your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture reading for today:
2 Corinthians 10
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