Nothing can be more irritating than when you are talking with someone and everything leads back to how wonderful THEY are. The focus becomes touting their own successes more than any genuine interest in you or what may be taking place in your life. In circumstances like this, we find ourselves wanting to run as quickly as possible in the opposite direction. The entire time, filled with the realization of how easy it is to do the very same thing.
Paul is defending his ministry when he writes this verse. "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." (2 Corinthians 10:17-18 ESV) He is discussing the limits of his influence and his determination to not boast beyond his area of influence (Vs 13). Knowing the limits of our influence is not always easy to discern. However, speaking genuinely about what we do know and giving the glory to the Lord is to be the focus of our 'boasting'.
Hope rises when we see how Paul handles his success. He knew his area of influence was assigned to him by God. Paul spoke candidly about his limitations. His honesty about desiring to increase is just as candid and expressed with reason; for the sake of the Gospel. And, he pointed to the only thing any of us have to boast about...the Lord.
Lord, help us remember that any success comes by your assignment only, that it has boundaries, and that all the glory goes to you and you alone.
I agree totally Brenda. It's understandable how unbelievers will boast on their own accord, but all Christians should understand that what we sew we shall reap. We can gain rapid success from nothing, but if we don't remember where we came from, we can lose it as fast as we gained it. I thank God just for my life. If I gain success in my life, He'll be the first to get the honors.
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I forgot to mention Brenda that Allison B. read this and recommended it to others. Important thoughts to remember. Thanks for your timely insight.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the thoughts struck a positive note! It is easy to get caught up in ourselves thinking we a more than we really are. Thanks for the feedback!
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