And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV)
14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Galatians 6: 14 (ESV)
We humans like to gloat about our accomplishments. Everyone, whether they want to admit it or not, enjoys receiving accolades for work done well. We enjoy the sensation that praise and adoration produces. It’s hard-wired in our flesh as much as the need to breathe or drink water. It’s part of our sinful nature passed down from first Adam. There isn’t a person alive who doesn’t enjoy the pride that wells up inside of ourselves after receiving affection from others in the form of applause.
As a believer, however, arrogance and bragging is only reserved for boasting about God’s goodness and what Christ Jesus did on the cross. Anything other than that is a clear sign we are in our flesh and possibly sinning against our creator. We tread a tight line if we do not renew our minds daily with the Word. As we read the scriptures and understand our love, mercy, works, etc. is a direct byproduct of His love, mercy, works, etc. Then and only then, can we humble ourselves and understand why we need a savior to begin with. We must enter His courts with thanksgiving and praise because He is the author of all the heavens and earth and everything in between, not us.
So believer, it’s a fight to resist the devil and our flesh, but it’s a fight worth fighting everyday. Let’s boast in the Lord and not apart from Him.