Boasting
“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians1:31
Boasting is a sin! So say many and such is the position held by many Christians. Boasting is often seen to be birthed from pride and arrogance. In this context it is seen as bringing attention to the individual instead of bringing attention to Christ.
As such, the church has, for at least the last five decades, taught the opposite of boasting, humility. The practice of humility is supposed to be the antidote for pride and arrogance.
Sadly, like many things taught in religious circles, the teaching that boasting is a sin is inaccurate. Boasting, in and of itself, is not a sin. The object of the boasting is more the point of the issue. Yes, boasting can spring from arrogance and pride. Yet it can also spring from humility, as an act of worship.
In the scripture passage quoted above, Paul quotes a statement of Yahweh written in Jeremiah 9:23-24. “Thus says Yahweh, ‘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; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Yahweh who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares Yahweh.” This passage clearly identifies the boasting that is sin and the boasting that is not.
There is literally so much darkness in the world today that even those not spiritually attuned are aware of it. Listen to the news, look at the economic conditions around you, look at human relationships, and listen to the dreams that are shattered by human failure, failure brought about by each person living for himself. The life of greed, pride and self-promotion isn’t working anymore, never did really. Man’s boasting in his wisdom, might and riches is being revealed to be hollow. Families are torn apart, businesses are failing, and finances are crashing down around the ears of those who only a year ago thought they were living the American dream.
Spiritual leaders need to teach those God has given them how to boast in the Lord. This boasting must be practiced and modeled in the same way as the other spiritual disciplines. The world needs to hear of the lovingkindness, justice and righteousness of our almighty loving Father. They need to hear about the things which delight Him and see the personal intimate relationship one can have from those who understand and know Him.
Boasting is a must in the Christian walk! Boast in the Lord!
© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.
“Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians1:31
Boasting is a sin! So say many and such is the position held by many Christians. Boasting is often seen to be birthed from pride and arrogance. In this context it is seen as bringing attention to the individual instead of bringing attention to Christ.
As such, the church has, for at least the last five decades, taught the opposite of boasting, humility. The practice of humility is supposed to be the antidote for pride and arrogance.
Sadly, like many things taught in religious circles, the teaching that boasting is a sin is inaccurate. Boasting, in and of itself, is not a sin. The object of the boasting is more the point of the issue. Yes, boasting can spring from arrogance and pride. Yet it can also spring from humility, as an act of worship.
In the scripture passage quoted above, Paul quotes a statement of Yahweh written in Jeremiah 9:23-24. “Thus says Yahweh, ‘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; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am Yahweh who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares Yahweh.” This passage clearly identifies the boasting that is sin and the boasting that is not.
There is literally so much darkness in the world today that even those not spiritually attuned are aware of it. Listen to the news, look at the economic conditions around you, look at human relationships, and listen to the dreams that are shattered by human failure, failure brought about by each person living for himself. The life of greed, pride and self-promotion isn’t working anymore, never did really. Man’s boasting in his wisdom, might and riches is being revealed to be hollow. Families are torn apart, businesses are failing, and finances are crashing down around the ears of those who only a year ago thought they were living the American dream.
Spiritual leaders need to teach those God has given them how to boast in the Lord. This boasting must be practiced and modeled in the same way as the other spiritual disciplines. The world needs to hear of the lovingkindness, justice and righteousness of our almighty loving Father. They need to hear about the things which delight Him and see the personal intimate relationship one can have from those who understand and know Him.
Boasting is a must in the Christian walk! Boast in the Lord!
© Written by Richard L. Roberts, director of Life Focus Ministries.
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