Boast Only in Knowing the Lord

 We are often tempted to boast about our accomplishments. We tend to feel proud of ourselves, and we want to let others know what we have done. That way, they will see how intelligent or talented we are, and they will think highly of us. That is a normal feeling for all of us, but it is never the right thing to do. The Bible is clear that there is only one thing about which we should boast.

God gave this insight to Jeremiah to deliver to His people. (Jeremiah 9:24) Those who wish to boast should boast only 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. We all need to hear that.

Once we come to know the Lord, we realize that is the greatest accomplishment that any of us can ever achieve. Even that accomplishment is not because of our intelligence or effort. It comes as a gift from God once we put our faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Therefore, we are boasting that the God of the universe has a personal relationship with us.

He enters this relationship because of His unfailing love. He desires for all people to know Him personally. He wants all of us to see His justice and righteousness, and to know that He delights in these things, so we will do these things, too. We will do them to honor Him and to bring glory to Him, but never as a ground for boasting in ourselves.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 10-13.