Can we boast?

Think for a moment about all of the qualities, experiences, and privileges that you could boast about. Remember all of the encouraging words given to you by people, seeing the fruits of the Holy Spirit working in your life to produce love, meekness, or overflowing joy. You could boast in this, right? When one looks at the state of the world, they see a dark plague of filth that covers the hearts and minds of those unredeemed by the blood of Jesus. Surely, then, could not one who has been washed white as snow boast in their progress of sanctification? Is it not a marvelous wonder to once hate righteousness, yet now, to hunger and thirst after it? What about your experiences? Ponder on the angelic encounter or dream that marked your life in your past. Are these rare occurrences rightful ground to boast, even if it seems only a few are chosen to experience them?

Consider then the honors bestowed upon you. The 'anointing', or preaching platform that many desire to see and operate under, yet it has been placed upon your shoulders like mantle. From miracles, signs and wonders to the confronting truth, spoken in love; matchless wisdom and eloquent words - graced with the anointing of the Holy Spirit, are these areas that you can boast?

By no means! Let us not be caught up in the favor that our Savior has given us that we would taken honor upon ourselves! Are not all of these graces only made possible by the blood of the Lamb, spilled on the Cross for us? Woe to us if we steal His glory! Woe to us if we take what is rightfully His, and adorn ourselves with His praise like a lace around our neck! Let us familiar ourselves with the cry of heaven - "Worthy is the Lamb of [paraphrase] EVERYTHING!" To Him be ALL the honor, the glory, the wealth and the kingdom! For all things were created by Him and for His glory, not yours.

Therefore, let us not boast in anything, no gifts, nor power, or wisdom - but let us boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.

Amen.