Two old soldiers were bragging. The first said, "My army unit was so well drilled, when we stood to attention all you heard was "slap, slap, click." Not to be outdone, his friend responded, "I know what you mean, but with us it was more like slap, slap, jingle." Perplexed, the first veteran asked, "Jingle? What was the jingle?" Oh, his friend responded, "That was just all the medals we had won."
"It ain't bragging if it is true." Are you ever tempted to boast? Earlier generations had a little more restraint, in this regard. My mom did not like it if we bragged about anything. She bragged about her sons, but she could not abide us bragging about ourselves!
Jeremiah knew people who forbade his people to boast about their wisdom, strength, and riches. On the other hand, they were free to boast in their knowledge of the Lord who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness. Paul picked up this thought in his preaching saying, "Boast in the Lord." We are always safe to talk about the great things God has done. I watched our friend Jerome Smith give all the glory to God for his remarkable ministry. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, he lifts us up.
