Jamie Munson » God Scripture Mission Heart Stewardship

Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 1:31

“Boast in Jesus” is one of those churchy exhortations that we Christians often toss around without much thought. What does it mean? Is it redirecting all compliments to God? Is it acknowledging God after touchdowns and during acceptance speeches? Is it a statement stamped on our money?

These common forms of boasting in the Lord often (though perhaps not always) amount to empty lip service. Here are six ways to get beyond mere words:

 

1) Recognize that it’s all about Jesus.

In the context of 1 Corinthians 1:31, Paul discourages the Corinthians from deriving their self-worth from personal achievements and crediting their salvation to their own lovableness. Jesus is the source and sum of everything; we are not. This compels us to live a life marked by grace and humility.  

 

2) Enjoy accomplishments but don’t take the glory.

God created us to work, and there’s a holy satisfaction in a job well done. In fact, Jesus wants us to do a good job (Matt. 25:21). Problems arise, however, when we begin to derive our value, identity, and security from our accomplishments. We drift from dependence on God to reliance on self.

 

3) Learn from disappointments but don’t dwell on them.

Conversely, when we fail or when life gets hard, we can boast in God by trusting in him. Dwelling on disappointment reveals a faith vested in whatever was lost rather than a faith planted in the infallible God.

Live generously and show that your hope, your confidence, your worth—your boast—is in Jesus. 

 

4) Seek and practice humility and repentance.

We will all take credit we don’t deserve. We will all pout over disappointment. We will all get caught chasing our own glory rather than God’s. This is not an excuse but rather cause for true humility (not the lip service kind) and ongoing repentance, which keeps us close to Jesus and his life and death on our behalf.

 

5) Redeem the gifts, desires, and passions you’ve been given.

Maybe God blessed you with incredible talent, extensive wealth, a keen mind, etc. Think about how to use these gifts for the Kingdom. This could simply be doing what you do with excellence and then faithfully stewarding the influence, relationships, and resources God grants you, or it could be more specifically applying your gifts to the work of ministry.

 

6) Embrace and participate in the work and mission of Jesus.

Give, serve, and become a member at your church. Be hospitable to your neighbors and share the life and things God has given to you. Talk about his work in your life. Invite others to know him. Live generously and show that your hope, your confidence, your worth—your boast—is in Jesus. 

 

 

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Pastor Jamie is the author of Money: God or Gift, a book that explores Luke 12 and other Scripture to give a biblical view for money in your life. 

 

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