So that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:31)

Boasting or bragging is seen with many of us, if not all, in different occasions. We love to speak with great pride or trying to impress people with our accomplishments either in office or at home. But when we read the above verse from the scripture it brings in a new dimension to this human nature. Paul declares that the only person who is worthy of praise (boast) is our Lord.

We get an insight in to the conclusion of Paul in James 1:17 “Every good action and perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the creator of the sun, moon and the stars who does not change like the shifting shadows.(NCV). So all the gifts like wisdom, knowledge, understanding and skills are given as gift to us to accomplish our goal.

PRIDE: Let me give you a word from Isaiah 10:13, The King of Assyria says this, by my own power I have done these things; by my wisdom I have defeated many nations. The Assyrians were haughty. They thought they have accomplished everything   in their own power. Likewise our perspective can become distorted by our accomplishment if we fail to recognise God is working his purpose through us. When we think that we are strong enough to perform we will fail. If you read Deut 8:17,18a, you might say to yourself “I am rich (any success) because of my own power and strength.”But remember the Lord your God! It is he who gives you the power to become rich” (Successful).

ATTITUDE: I would like to juxtapose two people to compare their attitude towards success. When you read Ezekiel 28: 2,3 God spoke to Ezekiel about the Prince of Tyre “Because you are proud , you say I am a God. I sit on the throne of a God in the middle of the seas. But in verse 3 God says you think you are wiser than Daniel? God had flattened his blotted ego by comparing him to the attitude of Daniel. But how did Daniel handle a situation he underwent; during the night God explained the secret to Daniel in a vision. Daniel “praised the God of haven” (Dan.2:19). How do you respond when thumped up by people at work, family or by friends? Your initial reaction during these times reflect who you are. Like Daniel praise God. He will take you to greater heights.

Foundation: So you should not brag about human leaders. In Ps. 94:11 “The Lord knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile. Therefore let us build our character on the foundation of Christ. When you leave your control of future to God, He will bless you like Isaac till you become great and distinguished. Make Christ your power of God and the wisdom of God (1Corinth.1:24) in life. Read Jere.9: 23, 24. May God bless you.