It is a common human tendency to boast of the traits we have or things we possess, which separates and alienates us from the divine throne of God, for He detests the proud and the arrogant, who glorify their own selves. Through the prophet Jeremiah, He instructs that if at all anything a human should boast about, that should be one of knowing and understanding Him: “The Lord says, ‘The wise should not boast of their wisdom, nor the strong of their strength, nor the rich of their wealth. If any want to boast, they should boast that they know and understand me, because my love is constant, and I do what is just and right. These are the things that please me. I, the Lord, have spoken.’” (Jer 9:23-24). Paul, who was proud of his knowledge and family lineage, realized the worthlessness of those things when he encountered Christ, who perfected him by substituting His strength for his weakness: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me” (2 Cor 12:9). When he truly got matured in his life in Christ, he could accept himself to be claimed as foolish, that boasting of anything may not arise and put him against God, “I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would[a] but as a fool” (2 Cor 11:16-17). Let’s imitate this blessed attitude of humility, and boast of knowing our God. 

Abba, thank You for humbling ourselves, that we may remain pleasing to You. Let Your Spirit help us boast of knowing and understanding You. In Jesus’ Most Mighty Name, Amen.