Boast in this before and after Christmas

“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” Jeremiah 9:24.

A few days after Christmas, I never know what to say when someone compliments me on a new shirt or tie that I opened as a gift—like I had enough fashion sense or ability with color or patterns to pick it out for myself. Someone else did and should get the credit.

Because of the impending doom that will come upon His people, because of their stubborn refusal to repent, God warns them against storing up earthly treasure that is temporary but rather building a life on the eternal treasures that please God.

We cannot boast about the blessings given to us in this life: skills, material things, and financial wealth. He is the One who gives us all things … and the One who can take those things away. Consider Job.

Rather, we must recognize that “not many of you were wise … powerful … of noble birth” but instead are “foolish … weak … low and despised” (1Corinthians 1:26-31) so that God may be seen working through our lives.

If we must boast, let’s do it in Him!