Acceptable Boasting (Part 1)

Scripture:  I Corinthians 4:7 - For who makes you different from another? And what do you have that you did not receive?  Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

From young childhood on up, we’ve all had many encounters with the practice of boasting—as recipients and perpetrators. The Oxford Dictionary defines the verb “boast” as “declaring one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities with indulgent pride and satisfaction;” but did you know that the Hebrew word for “boast,” halal,  is the same word often used to describe the praise of God?  In its most common use, the word boasting elicits a variety of feelings—depending, of course, upon how it is used.  People enjoy boasting about their children or grandchildren’s accomplishments; they boast about their own professional or athletic achievements, or that their favorite sports team is the best!  Why, we even have an acronym popularized over the past year—“So and so” is the G.O.A.T.—the greatest of all time!”
   
While there is nothing inherently wicked in feeling good about our gifts and achievements, or those of people we love and admire, consider this: if we are said to “have the mind of Christ,” is it not a more mutually edifying practice to boast more often in what our Lord has done, rather than in ourselves?  (1 Cor. 2:16b) Which type of boasting does a better job of diffusing “the fragrance of His knowledge in every place”—the feats of our own accomplishments, or ascribing praise to Whom the ultimate praise is due, particularly in light of our being the recipients of the Lord’s gifts, talents, or abilities? (2 Cor. 2:14) Yes, dear ones, as the Lord’s people, let’s major on the BEST type of boasting!  “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord!”
   
Prayer:  Dear Abba:  As we continue to draw nearer to You, help us to always remember the words of Proverbs 11:2— “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”  Thank You, in Jesus’ name. Amen!

(by Sis. Denise Diggs)