Boast only in Christ
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord." (NKJV) Jeremiah 9:23-24
Humans often pride themselves after attaining some level of achievement. These achievements may include a higher level of education, wealth, power and a great job. Although these achievements may be of significance in this world, there are incomparable to the spiritual goal of understanding and knowing Christ. In today’s devotional, I wish to remind us of this spiritual goal and the divine command of boasting only in Christ.
In Philippians 4:12, Paul teaches us an important principle in Christianity that we should neither boast in what we have nor despair in what we do not have. Instead, we should strive to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and if we have anything to boast in then it should be in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:10; Galatians 6:14).
There are implications in knowing and not knowing God. Those who know and believe in God and faithfully follow the Lord Jesus Christ are promised of blessings in this life and the life to come; “So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30, NKJV). Likewise, those who do not know God will receive vengeance and judgement from Him; "in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power" (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, NKJV).
As we struggle in this life trying to get the best of everything, we should be mindful of what we boast in. If we happen to boast in our achievements, let’s remember that there is nothing we have that we did not obtain from the Lord. God bless you!