Day 187

Psalm 1-2, 10, 33, 71, 91. “Boasting”

         “As for me, God forbid that I should boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Because of that cross, my interest in this world died long ago, and the world’s interest in me is also long dead.” – Galatians 6:14
         In making the above statement, the Apostle Paul sets the standard regarding boasting quite high.  This stands in stark contrast to the words of the psalmist in Psalm 10:3 about how the wicked people brag about their evil desires.
         What is it about boasting or bragging that creates a problem in our lives?  Could it be that it isn’t so much the boasting itself, but rather that boasting is a symptom of a deeper issue, pride?  When you look at the surrounding verses in Psalm 10, you will notice that the psalmist indeed connects boasting and pride.  Paul also connects these two traits in two separate lists of vices or sinful tendencies of mankind (Rom. 1:30; 2 Tim. 3:2).
         Are you struggling with boasting?  Let me first encourage you to examine your heart for pride.  Second, allow me to remind you that every good and perfect thing in your life is from God so, really, your boasting is pointless (James 1:17).

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?