Boast in the Lord (2 Cor. 10:14-18)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:14-18

I know I’ve written about this before, but we really have nothing to boast about in ourselves. Or perhaps I should speak only of myself.

I’m so flawed. So very flawed.

I want so much to be a godly, humble woman, but then my flesh rears its ugly head. And suddenly, I’m discontent. Or I’m discouraged.

Or I’m prideful

I have the privilege to use a God-given gift, and someone affirms me. Instead of immediately giving praise and honor to the Lord, I think, “Yeah. I did well. Good for me.”

Instead of boasting in the Lord, I boast in myself. And that truly breaks my heart.

I know—truly know—that nothing I have, nothing I am, nothing I can do is of my own merit. My abilities to speak and write and teach come directly from God. It is His voice that sings or acts through me. I live in a home that He gave me. I drive a car that He provided.

And as Job said (and I paraphrase), “The Lord gives, and the Lord can take away.” Because it’s all His.

We have nothing to boast about. Absolutely nothing.

Instead, we should boast in the Lord, telling others of what He's done in and through us. We should share His stories of provision, protection, and comfort. We should give praise and gratitude to the One who chooses to bless us by entrusting His gifts and His things to us.