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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]Jeremiah 9:23-24
Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Pride comes in a variety of packages. An elite college you attended. A prized job you landed. The car you drive or the house where you park it. Maybe your pride is generated by important relationships or the success of your children (“Best T-ball player on the team!”).
Pride comes in a variety of deliverables. Some people are open boasters. Two minutes into a conversation they are expelling the hot air that puffs them up. Others are more private in their pride. The “aw-shucks” demeanor masks their egotism, but it secretly drives them and provides a sense of worth. It is amazing how we can, at the same time, deflect a compliment and absorb the self-centeredness it produces.
Our passage today gives us clear instruction regarding pride. Surely God gives some people great intelligence. Others he blesses with wealth. Some get the triple dip waffle cone of wisdom. But our boasting is not to be generated from what we have. The only basis for our boasting is to know the living God. What a difference it would make in our lives and the lives of those around us if we stopped boasting about ourselves and started boasting about our Savior!
Talking Points:
- Ask God to bring to your mind areas of pride in your life.
- Ask God to help you put down your pride and focus on him.
Lord, when we boast—openly or secretly—point it out to us. Remind us that all the things that produce pride come from your hand. May our only boasting be in you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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