No Boast But Jesus.
“This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT
One of the spirits of the age that will rule mightily over 2024 is the spirit of boasting. In the world, this is to be expected. Paul warns us that in the last days, people will become lovers of themselves and one of the signs to follow this would be boasting. (2nd Timothy 3:2)
For us in the body of Christ, this is something to seriously and diligently guard against, as the worst thing about the spirit of boasting is how it can skillfully launder itself through seemingly good and honorable things like spiritual and supernatural accomplishment.
Our flesh will not hesitate to exalt and glorify itself while using God and all we deem as our accomplishments in Him as the perfect cover to boast in everything but Jesus alone, while sprinkling the name of Jesus here and there as garnish for our embellished tales and declarations that make us look busy or good before men.
The stage is set for people in the world and in the church to put plans in motion for grand accomplishments, from wealth creation and increase, to spiritual sacrifices and impactful deeds that increase our relevance before men.
It’s fasting and prayer season. It’s also the time where new projects begin. A good way to check our flesh would be to deeply introspect and question our motives. Ask yourself the hard questions. Why are you doing what you’re doing? Who gets the glory? Will you be okay if you’re never seen or acknowledged for what you’re doing? If men never see you, will you be satisfied? What do you hope to gain out of what you’re doing, and what is the eternal value that is tied to Jesus?
Boasting is not always an exaggerated exaltation of self that actively seeks to belittle others and their accomplishment. Because we are called to a higher standard in Christ Jesus, boasting happens the moment we think we have received any benefit or reward solely or majorly because of the things we have done, or the sacrifices we have made. It happens when there is no clear distinction between our perception of our effort and the providence of God that sponsors all our accomplishments- when these two lines become blurred, boasting becomes inevitable, even in something as simple and good as giving testimonies.
We must be eternally minded, understanding that everything will pass away, including the intangible things we would be inclined to consider as the nobler things- things like spiritual gifts. Only the eternal: Faith, Hope and Love will remain.
It makes no sense to boast about the special fasting, prayers or sacrifice we made to acquire wealth, find favor with men, attain spiritual gifts or enablements, attract a partner and so on when the people of the world have better things (by the standards of the world) without even making the kind of spiritual sacrifices we do. Let’s not reduce God to these petty things, even though because of His love for us, the things that matter to us matter to Him no matter how small.
Jesus: the love of the Father that sponsored His sacrifice, the salvation He bought with His blood, and the gift of the precious Holy Spirit are the only things worth boasting about, and when it comes down to it? Apostle Paul interestingly asserts that weakness is a greater thing to boast about instead of our perceived strengths.
Prayer: Dear Father, teach me to understand what it means to truly boast in You. Not only with my words, but with my actions, and the way I live in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Meditation prompt: Read the Bible verse of the day over and over again for 7 minutes while you play “Crowns” by Hillsong Worship. Write down whatever you hear, feel or see during this.
Prayer prompts.
9 am: Thank God for His mercies that are new every morning.
12 noon: Thank God for divine provision.
3pm: Pray for the Church in Nigeria.
6pm: Pray for Northern Christians
9pm: Pray for a friend who comes to mind.
12 pm: Ask God what He wants you to pray about.