Thought for Saturday, October 6th

October 6, 2012

Boast About This

“He that boasts of his own knowledge proclaims his ignorance.”

-       Anonymous

     Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.

Jeremiah  9:23-24

Boasting is a very close cousin; if not maybe even a fraternal twin to bragging.

I’ve always heard it said that, ‘nobody likes a braggart.’

Some would even propose the notion that if you had some character quality, trait or successful claim of achievement that it should be, if it is indeed genuine; be self evident and not require verbal explanation.  Obviously there are many who do not agree with this idea, since the world is filled with people who are ready and willing to ‘toot their own horn’ so to speak, whenever the opportunity arises.

However, spiritually speaking, we in and of ourselves, have nothing really to boast about.  We are sinful and a mess and we do not even have the ability to redeem ourselves from the path of destruction we were on.  It took God’s intervention to bring restitution, redemption and forgiveness.   Neither do we posses the wisdom, strength or capacity to accomplish anything notable or praiseworthy that is not a direct result of God’s power, presence and Spirit in us, working through us.

We can not merit the accolades of praise or the declaration of worship for spiritual things; for those belong to God and God alone.

He is worthy of praise, adoration, proclamation and honor: we are just the blessed vessels that get to be available to serve and be used by Him to facilitate His great wonders and mighty acts.

We, as Christians do have something to boast about, but it is not us or each other, it is Him.

He deserves all our worship; all our praise and all of our flattery and boasting should be about Him.

So the next time you feel the need to brag a little or you are overtaken by the necessity to boast: remember to make it all about Him.

Today’s Prayer

Father, you are my all and everything, the glory and the lifter of my hands, my heart and the source of all that is good in my life – Thank you – and may your name be always praised, honored and glorified.

“Purify my heart

Let me be as gold

And precious silver

Purify my heart

Cleanse me from within

And make me holy

Refiner’s fire

My hearts one desire

Is to be holy

Set apart for You my Master

Ready to do your will.“

-  Lyrics from ‘Refiner’s Fire’ by Brian Doerksen