Galatians 6:14
“But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”
New Testament boasting is awesome. This verse talks about the greatest act of love by far throughout history. Jesus took on the sins of the world and rose from the grave. The justice had to be perfect. The amount of suffering that we would take throughout eternity would have to be placed on Him. We boast about that.
There have been great stories of bravery taking a bullet for another. They are inspirational. Jesus' death and resurrection were at least that. The thanks that floods from our hearts is without end. The longer we live the more we see what He's done, does and will do. His love is so complete, His brilliance and creativity are matchless, His management of us all as He draws us to Him is complex without measure. We boast in Him.
I can recall hearing how a famous celebrity lost respect of God because He desires praise. What's curious about that is all will bow the knee to God. So, even that person will have to pay homage eventually. But he was offended by having to give Him praise. What's hypocritical is that I'm sure he appreciates the positive feedback from fans. One would think that would allow for understanding. He is worthy of it. It's right to do so. We all love things, He created all of those things. The joy we have in our hearts is all from Him. The fool says in his heart there is no God (Psalm 53:1).
Those of us that are redeemed love to give Him praise. It can come from all directions. It's already been mentioned that His great love and awesome power redeemed us. We could talk about the brilliance of creation. Bill Gates said that dna is far more complicated that any computer code. No one would think that computer code would have evolved. There must be a programmer. God did that for all living creatures. We could talk about His sovereignty and how He can perform His will for our lives in a world with billions of people in which He is doing the same thing. He cares for each of them and alters all of our circumstances to bring us to Him.
We all would like to tute our own horns. Our selfishness seeks it. That's human boasting. However, the wonderful grace of God takes care of our wishes to promote ourselves. We know that He honors us as He uses us. We no longer need to boast for our own need.
Paul talks about another type of boasting we can do. To boast about our weaknesses. This doesn't make sense to those who don't know Christ. He says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, 'And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.'
This concept of boasting about our weaknesses eluded me for a long time. I sense a dawning of understanding. I wouldn't say I would boast about them, but a contentment with them. It may be in time those things might diminish. They haven't yet, so I would say they are presently God's will. He sees it best for them to be present. I trust that He will get me through with His sufficiency. Like Paul, those things may keep me dependent. Thus more power and more use. I will be content as He has me.
Another boasting reason is given in 2 Corinthians 9:2, "for I know your willingness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirredup most of them." We can boast about what God is doing in the lives of people. In a sense it's boasting about God. "Look what God's done in these lives!"
Boasting in ourselves still happens, but is empty and immature. The bible says to grow up in several places. To put such boasting behind is growth.
Lord, thank You for the maturity You bring in us. We don't need the empty self promotion. You've got us and use us as You see fit. I will boast in that. I will also boast in the great work work You do in and through us. Lastly we will boast in Your great love and sacrifice.