This is what the Lord says: Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken! (Jeremiah 9:23-24, NLT)
Preparing to interview Webb Simpson for a Zoom call and wanting to have the accuracy of his career, I was thankful for the internet. The information revealed how successful this guy has been since his junior days of golf.
Webb had multiple junior wins, an Arnold Palmer Scholarship to Wake Forest, a victorious Walker Cup Team member, and invitations to and making cuts in PGA Tour events.
He earned his PGA card in his first attempt at Q School and has won multiple times on the PGA Tour, including the 2012 U.S. Open and 2018 Players Championship, which makes for a great resume in professional golf.
For some with those accomplishments, it would be tempting to boast just a little. Unfortunately, we have heard more bragging from those in our clubs when they win a match or even a 5-dollar skin! Webb, however, wants to boast about Jesus, not his golf.
If we are to boast (in a good way), we are to boast in the Lord. What can you think of that God has done in your life or someone close to you that merits making a public declaration?
We do it all the time when we are talking about our favorite sports team or golfer. We find something they’ve done well and share it with others.
Paul said it well, ”For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17 ESV
What can I boast about that would be attractive to others rather than be a turn-off? It might be both what we say and how we say it. Let’s learn effective ways to start boasting, not about our accomplishments, but about our King, Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the World.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being worthy of every praise you get from me and still worthy when I don’t. Help me share your greatness with those around me.