“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.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24
The Hebrew word for “boast” means to take deep satisfaction in something we value as superior. Our culture encourages us to take pride in ourselves – to see ourselves as superior and take deep satisfaction in our abilities, accomplishments and acquisitions.
As a result we tend to spend a lot of time and effort comparing ourselves with others. We compare grades in school, titles and salaries at work, houses and cars with our neighbors. We compare our children and find a perverse satisfaction when they seem superior to other people’s kids. Social media gives us a 24/7 platform on which to compare. But comparison is like a two sided coin — pride when you happen to be superior. Shame when you fall short.
God is inviting us to have a complete paradigm shift today.
Instead of finding satisfaction in ourselves, let’s find our deepest satisfaction in our relationship with Jesus. What would it take to see the ability to know Him as more valuable than anything else? Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, who You sent.” We may not be able to achieve the power, prestige and personal wealth that the world values. But we can all receive the eternal life that Jesus offers.
What would have to shift in your perspective in order to be most proud about your relationship with Jesus?
The Hebrew word for “boast” means to take deep satisfaction in something we value as superior. Our culture encourages us to take pride in ourselves – to see ourselves as superior and take deep satisfaction in our abilities, accomplishments and acquisitions.
As a result we tend to spend a lot of time and effort comparing ourselves with others. We compare grades in school, titles and salaries at work, houses and cars with our neighbors. We compare our children and find a perverse satisfaction when they seem superior to other people’s kids. Social media gives us a 24/7 platform on which to compare. But comparison is like a two sided coin — pride when you happen to be superior. Shame when you fall short.
God is inviting us to have a complete paradigm shift today.
Instead of finding satisfaction in ourselves, let’s find our deepest satisfaction in our relationship with Jesus. What would it take to see the ability to know Him as more valuable than anything else? Jesus said in John 17:3, “This is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, who You sent.” We may not be able to achieve the power, prestige and personal wealth that the world values. But we can all receive the eternal life that Jesus offers.
What would have to shift in your perspective in order to be most proud about your relationship with Jesus?