boasting.

I was convicted yesterday by a message I heard about boasting.  If you have the time, I encourage you to listen: http://www.redeemerkansascity.org/sermons/wisdom-folly-boasting/

I've been allowing myself to feel overwhelmed recently, getting completely caught up in school and feeling like a total failure when my efforts don't translate to favorable results.  I've been frustrated with friendships, experiencing insecurity when it seems like people are too busy or have moved on to other friends.

So I've been overwhelmed; frustrated.  I've been tired.  Self-pitying.

And then it hit me yesterday.  I've been trying really hard to have something to boast in.  Attaching my worth to school or friendships, hoping that through them I would find value.  I'd find something to feel good about.

It doesn't feel like boasting when things aren't going your way.  It feels like rock-bottom.  But the truth is, if I had been doing well in these areas of my life, what would be coming through in my attitude would be pride.  Both self-deprecation and pride stem from a heart that desires to boast in its own value, achievements, etc.  And both are futile.  Both lead to emptiness, disappointment, a wrong view of self, and a wrong view of God.

Boasting is "that of which one glories or can glory".  Here's the beautiful truth I was reminded of yesterday: I have nothing of my own to glory in.  All boasting ought to be for the One who is infinitely glorious and who ALONE is worthy.  He has given us everything in Christ.  ALL glory is due to His name.  So let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord!


"For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

(1 Corinthians 1:26-31 ESV)