No Reason To Boast

The verse that destroys any and all forms of boasting is found in 1 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV) For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?

The Corinthians thought they were special. They thought they were unique, a super Church of sorts. And Paul hits them head on! The point for us all is simple, what we have we received. Period.

I know, some of us have skills and talents. But those were given by God and some where developed under appropriate conditions we had very little to do with. I was given drum lessons by my parents for 6 years for which I did not pay. I also was given plenty of time to practice and a drum set. It was nothing to do with me except being willing to receive!

Interestingly, the Corinthians thought they were even smarter than Paul, boasting that he was unimpressive and intimidated by them! They imagined they were filled with the complete revelation of God and now could sit back and relax from their thrones (see 1 Corinthians 4:8) Could you imagine your church thinking they were smarter or better than the man the Holy Spirit used to write much of the New Testament? Laughable. 

But this is the deception of arrogance. 

It started with Satan in heaven. He thought "I will ascend", "I will become like the most high" forgetting all the while he was MADE by the MOST HIGH! 

David on the other hand had the right mindset when preparing his son Solomon to build the temple. He gave most of his treasure to the project. Then he said this in 1 Chronicles 29:14 (ESV) “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.

Translation - even the money we give to God is actually God's already. God tends to use people who get that deep in their heart.  We are stewards and servants... nothing more.

Nothing you have, talents, treasure, time are from you, they are gifts. Humility is essential. Gratitude is appropriate at all times. Do not think that just because you made the most of the opportunities you were handed makes you any better than others.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for what you've done and given to me. All I have I have because of You! May the things I have be used for Your glory and honor and praise. In Jesus Name!