Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says:
“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the LORD.

This is an important passage that is echoed several times in the New Testament. Human beings have a remarkable capacity for pride, for boasting of all sorts of things. Japanese culture frowns on boasting, to the point of absurdity at times, but that is a surface thing much of the time; it doesn’t change internal pride. The problem with all of this is that the focus is on self: I can, I have, etc. It is only when our focus is on God that things come into proper perspective. The more we really know about God, the more we will at least desire to be like Him, not in power but in character. That’s why it’s so wonderful that the New Testament promises that we are being transformed into His likeness. (2 Corinthians 3:18) Saints through the ages have known this, and there are many songs that sing of knowing God more and better. It is somewhat ironic, thinking of this passage, that the better we know God, the less likely we are to boast of anything! It’s quite different from boasting to have a quiet assurance that God is who He says He is, that He will do in and through us things that are quite impossible for us, because that’s just the way He is.

This is something I have come to understand better and better over the years. I used to be quite a boaster at times, and I can’t say it never pops up even now, but at least I understand how foolish it is! I have indeed discovered that God is absolutely faithful, and since it is all too evident that I am not, I’ve learned to depend on Him. I find in myself a growing understanding of Paul’s attitude, expressed so famously in Philippians 3:7-14. The better I know Him, the better I understand that simply knowing Him, walking in fellowship with Him, is better than all the wealth and accomplishments the world can offer. That is a treasure indeed!

Father, thank You for Your amazing grace toward me. Thank You for Your great patience when I have run off on various tangents, and for bringing me back into line with Your perfect plan. Thank You for the privilege of seeing You act through me, hearing You speak through me, feeling You love others through me. May I be increasingly yielded and obedient to You, so that nothing will get in the way of what You want to do through me, for the sake of the Body of Christ and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!