It is not uncommon to encounter a person who likes to boast. A person may boast about a personal achievement at work, a sporting activity, or any number of other things. Nations often boast about political success or their robust financial situation. It is interesting that boasting is so common, yet most people would say that it is not a good thing to do. While the Bible certainly condemns boasting, it also encourages “good boasting.”
The word boast (kauchaomai) means to glory, exult, or take pride in something. In 1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul uses the term boast positively. Having explained their prior position before coming to Christ, Paul tells the Corinthians that they should not boast in themselves but only in the Lord. Why? First, their salvation was a gift from the Lord (Ephesians 2:8-9). Second, The Lord uses what we think of as weak and foolish to often accomplish His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). As a result, we have no room to boast except in the Lord.[1]
“God wants two things from His servants: that they not glory in themselves, and that they give glory to Him. God makes the nobodies of this world into somebodies in His kingdom.”[2]
It is not uncommon to find people who enjoy boasting about themselves. The next time you feel the urge to boast, stop and remember that the only “good boasting” is about the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Steven