DAILY HOPE DEVOTIONAL: NOVEMBER 26 FOOLISHNESS OF WRONG BOASTING (2) SCRIPTURE: JEREMIAH 9: 23; JAMES 4: 13 – 16
In yesterday’s devotional we discussed what is meant by foolish and wrong boasting which is boasting in self. We touch some areas where people boast in such as in their powers, anointing, riches and wealth and others. Apostle James talks about people boasting of what they will do tomorrow without recourse to God. James concluded that such boasting in self-arrogance is evil (James 4: 13 – 16). Biblically, any form of self-boasting is wrong and foolish. This is because no man has total influence of what he or she does successfully. The Bible had said it that: “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it…” (Psalm 127: 1 KJV). As humans, we must know that no man can excel in anything without God’s approval. The wise unbelievers know this very well.
Until all humans know that anybody can be successful, become rich and wealthy, ascends to any political seat, occupies any good office etc., through the grace of God and therefore, stop boasting in their accomplishments, they will never be freed from being seen as foolish people. We all should know we are like axe in God’s hands. Whatever we see ourselves doing, it is God who is holding us, using us and directing our ways. This is what Prophet Isaiah captured here: “Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!” Isaiah 10:15 ESV). The Bible said we are in the hands of God like the clay in the hand of the potter (Jer. 18: 6). Even though this passage is believed to be telling us that every human being is useful in God’s hand, we have to look at its implication too. The implication in this passage is that, God can break us and destroy us any day. He can turn us to either good position or mess us up any time and any day without seeking for our consent. Therefore, bragging in self is foolishness.
It is therefore, really funny to hear people boasting as if they own God in their pockets. We are hearing many making public utterances how they will finish the world with just pressing a button with their finger. Some groups have concluded how there will be no Christianity on the earth after 2050. It is as well wrong and foolish to abrogate powers to self while talking down on God. One King Herod boasted of his power over his kingdom, his riches and wealth. He foolishly lifted himself above God. Instantly he was eaten up by worms on his throne (Acts 12: 21-23). Similar things like this has happened to many human beings on the earth. Today’s devotional condemns self-boasting in our achievements, successes, earthly positions, riches and wealth etc. The wisest thing to do is to boast in the Lord and what He has allowed us accomplished in our earthy lives. Our next devotional will be on the wisdom of “boasting in the Lord”.
PRAYER:
FATHER GOD, I confess before you today that nothing I have ever achieved is based on who I am or what I have. I therefore, return all the glory to you. HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, cause me to depend on God in all things by the power in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen!!
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