BOASTING

A Response to "Boasting"

The Problem of Boasting in Christian Circles

There is so much boasting going round in Christian circles, and even in churches. So much publicity of their programs and works. Even you may notice a stain of cultist personality in the whole process. It is a troubling reality. The very place where humility should reign has become a stage for self-promotion. The very people who should be pointing to Christ are instead pointing to themselves. Their programs are advertised with grandiosity. Their achievements are celebrated with fanfare. Their names are lifted up rather than the name of Jesus. The line between ministry and self-exaltation has become blurred, and many have crossed it without even realizing. What started as a desire to serve has morphed into a desire to be known. What began as a passion for the Gospel has become a platform for personal recognition. And the result is a Christianity that is more about the messenger than the Message, more about the vessel than the Treasure.

The Scripture on Boasting

As it says in the Scriptures, “If anyone is going to boast, let him boast only of what the Lord has done.” This is not a suggestion; it is a command. It is a redirection of our focus from ourselves to God. When we boast in the Lord, we are not denying what He has done through us; we are acknowledging that He is the source of all that is good. We are recognizing that without Him, we can do nothing. We are declaring that the glory belongs to Him, not to us. When we boast in the Lord, our testimony becomes a tool for evangelism. Our story becomes a light for others. Our praise becomes a platform for His grace. But when we boast in ourselves, we become a stumbling block. We distract from the Gospel. We draw attention to our own abilities rather than His power. We build our own kingdom rather than His.

The Necessity of Personal Encounter

That is why personal encounter with Jesus Christ is absolutely necessary in Christian faith. It is not enough to know about Jesus; you must know Him. It is not enough to believe in a doctrine; you must encounter a Person. When you have personally encountered Jesus, your faith is not dependent on the opinions of others. It is not shaken by criticism. It is not undermined by doubt. You have experienced Him, and nobody can dispute that experience. Your testimony is a proof of the reality of God for others to believe. There may be some people who do not believe it. But it is alright. You have served your purpose. You are not responsible for their response; you are only responsible for your witness. The encounter is yours, and it cannot be taken from you.

The Best Option

You have actually become a witness for Christ as you testify and boast of what God has done for you. Isn't this the best option? Instead of boasting about your own achievements, you boast about His. Instead of promoting yourself, you promote Him. Instead of seeking glory for yourself, you give glory to Him. This is the witness that the world needs. This is the testimony that draws others to Christ. When people see what God has done in your life, they are confronted with the reality of His power. When they hear your story, they are invited to experience His grace. When they see your humility, they are drawn to His beauty. Boasting in the Lord is not a lesser option; it is the best option.

The Witness for Christ

What more can a believer do? Except to be a witness for Him. We are not called to be celebrities; we are called to be witnesses. We are not called to build our own platforms; we are called to build His Kingdom. We are not called to draw attention to ourselves; we are called to draw attention to Him. A witness does not speak about himself; he speaks about what he has seen and heard. He does not promote his own name; he promotes the name of the One who sent him. And when he does, he fulfills his purpose. He accomplishes his mission. He brings glory to God.

The Baptism of the Spirit

The baptism of the Spirit helps you to become a better Christian, a better witness for Christ. And that is essential as the Spirit gives you the boldness to stand up for Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak when we would otherwise be silent. He gives us the courage to declare the truth when we would otherwise be afraid. He fills us with love when we would otherwise be indifferent. He equips us to be witnesses wherever we go. Without the Spirit, our witness is weak. With the Spirit, our witness is powerful. The baptism of the Spirit is not just for the early church; it is for every believer. It is not just for the past; it is for today. And it is essential for effective witness.

Final Reflection

May your eyes be opened to this insight. Boasting is not wrong; the object of our boasting is what matters. When we boast in ourselves, we are on dangerous ground. When we boast in the Lord, we are on solid rock. Let your boasting be a testimony. Let your praise be a witness. Let your life be a declaration of what God has done. And let all the glory go to Him.

Prayer for Humble Boasting

Lord, forgive me for the times I have boasted in myself. Forgive me for seeking my own glory and promoting my own name. Teach me to boast only in what You have done. Let my testimony be a witness to Your grace. Let my praise be a platform for Your power. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me boldness to stand for Christ. Let me not be distracted by the applause of people, but let me seek only Your approval. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.