Which side of boasting are you on?

Humanity has spent much effort in applauding itself and its accomplishments. The pride of our race stems from the growth we have experienced since the dark ages to the fast paced, technologically advanced 21st Century. We boast of intellects capable of inventing (Henry Ford and his Tin Lizzy, Alexander Graham Bell and his telephone, Albert Einstein and his law of physics); we boast of physical strength (Olympiads and athletes alike); and we boast of financial success (as seen in entrepreneurs such as Howard Hughes, Donald Trump, and Bill Gates).

You may sense a sort of pride in belonging to the human race when reading about the above accomplishments. However, Christians are warned in biblical texts that this type of pride and boasting is an outrageous offense to God. 1 Corinthians 1:31 says, “Let him who boasts, boast in the LORD.” I am convicted that there is much pride in my life which has nothing to do with boasting in the works of God. I am full of the boastful pride of life.

The quotation from 1 Corinthians was taken by the Apostle Paul from the Old Testament passage of Jeremiah 9:23-24, which in part says, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches.” Within this Scripture we see (as outlined in the first paragraph) the three areas where man tries to boast. Wisdom refers to intellectual strength; might refers to physical strength; riches refer to monetary strength. Think within yourself – which of these (or do all) characterize a part of my own boasting?

There is an awesome concept here for those in Christ. The concept is this: Christ is our wisdom, our strength, and the source of true wealth (wealth in God). Consider a verse from the 1 Corinthian text that speaks to this. “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption.” There is a godly wisdom to take hold of, and it is found in Christ and His Word. Our living out of our physical life should only be found in the strength of the righteousness of Christ and His sanctifying work through and in us! Our boasting of wealth should only be found in the wealth of God where it is seen “in Him we have redemption through His blood…according to the riches of His grace.” By God’s riches only can we be redeemed – God took His wealth and paid the price for us in full!

Man boasting in man
our intellect
our physical strength
our financial success

Man boasting in Christ
Christ & His Word: true wisdom
Christ is our righteousness and sanctification
Christ’s riches of grace and redemption

So many times, I get caught up in the capabilities of man. But oh how when I look at the above, I want to boast only in Christ. Dear friend, which side of boasting are you on?