Something To Boast About

People boast about a lot of things: their physical appearance, their intelligence, an athletic performance, singing ability, the amount of money they make, the escapades they get away with, the list is practically endless.  Yet most of us can see right through most of the big talk we hear.  It becomes obvious that the person is either trying to impress others or they’re attempting to compensate for a lack of self-esteem.  Sometimes it appears that the boasting is meant as a means to control a situation and/or to assert authority.  Whatever the case, these rants usually result in a shouting match with one party demanding proof and both sides going separate ways.

If only we could learn not to boast; or better yet, learn to boast about something that really matters.  Does such a topic exist?  Is there really something substantial to boast about that we can continually proclaim and effectively embolden others to join us in bragging about?   Is there an achievement worth boasting about openly and honestly that won’t make us look shallow or arrogant?  God says there is; check out Jeremiah 9:23-24.

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, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.

It’s not wise to boast about wisdom because there is always more to learn and apply. And physical strength doesn’t last; just ask anyone experiencing old age.  And riches don’t last either; this latest recession (depression?) is proof of that. 

No, the only thing worth boasting about is in our understanding and knowing God.  That’s something to boast about because our relationship with Him is the only thing that lasts.  For if we truly understand Him, we will be striving to act as He does (notice the list of attributes that He delights in: “exercising” kindness, justice, righteousness – meaning that our actions will be loving, merciful, forgiving, serving, patient, trustworthy & honest, selfless, etc.).  And since He is infinite in all characteristics there will always be more to learn and know and to put into practice.

So, evidently it isn’t wrong to boast – as long as we boast about a subject that really matters.  And the only thing that EVER matters is God Himself.  It would be nice if our world considered this something to boast about.  But that won’t be happening any time soon.  So make this something you commit to on your own:

1.      Ask God to reveal Himself to you and grow to understand your loving Creator in the most intimate way. 

2.      Hunger and thirst to know Him more passionately by striving to be like Him in every way. 

3.      And go ahead and boast about your personal encounters with Him.  This will encourage the others around you to do the same. And then, what a wonderful would this will be.

Doug