Something in Which to Boast

Perhaps there is nothing more troubling than having to converse with someone who simply wants to talk about him or herself ad nauseam. Do you know people like this—they’re always trying to build themselves up and praise their own efforts? I certainly have met my fair share of people like this, and, truth be told, I know that I can fall into this trap myself far too often.

Of course, people who engage in such activity do so because they have feelings of inferiority and little self-worth. Whether conscious of it or not, often times what they feel in their heart about themselves is the exact opposite of what they are audibly sharing.

But the book of Jeremiah gives all of us something to boast about—something to really help us feel good about who we are and the value we have. Through the pen of Jeremiah, the Lord says, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches.” To do so is utter folly! God is the source of all wisdom, might, and riches. If we think we are self-made for one minute, how rudely awakened we would be if God were to remove His grace from us. Then we’d really see. (And sometimes He is gracious enough to do just that, so we are allowed to see our true state.)

But then God goes on to offer this admonition: “But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me.” Now there’s something of which we can boast! We know the King of the Universe intimately. We have a personal audience with Him every day—and we can have it every moment if we so desire.

And then God goes on to help us recognize where our true value and worth find their fulfillment. We are to recognize that the “ ‘Lord exercises lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

You talk about value and worth! God’s character is that of constant and everlasting love towards us. And we can rest in the assurance that He is going to make sure justice and judgment have their day (this is especially good news for those who have been maligned or slandered). And beyond this, we can delight in the fact that all of His actions towards us derive from His righteousness.

So why not “glory” in this today?