In life we experience and boast of accomplishments, but I have found that the Father takes imperfect and flawed human beings and blesses them with capacity beyond their own making. Yet, the world we live in is full of people quick to tell you about the title they have, the money they make, the school they went to, the degree they earned, and the accolades they've received. Unfortunately, that becomes a source of pride which can take someone away from depending on the One who has provided them the ability to do those very things in the first place!
“This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.” Jeremiah
A true statement for me has been this; “the more that I learn the less I really know!”
When God asked Solomon to tell Him one thing he really wanted, Solomon didn’t say knowledge, power, riches, or material possessions...rather he asked for wisdom. No matter how much knowledge we attain in this life, there’s always going to be something more to learn.
With wisdom, it’s not a matter of knowing more, rather it’s living in the understanding that comes from seeking God and walking in His ways; applying His truths to our lives which develop character and help us grow closer to Him!
“It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians
I heard it said in a song that God doesn’t need our help but He surely wants it! Why? Because He knows that our service unto Him provides an opportunity for us to grow more into His likeness and bless others.
Understand that whatever works you do or are uncapable of will not change how much He loves you; that never changes. And for those who think that your gifts and abilities are something you can use to earn God’s favor, think again! Good works are the outcome of faith and an act of worship. They are also our privilege and opportunity to serve others.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians
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