Boast: Finding True Identity in Christ Alone
Boasting often stems from an inflated sense of self-importance, leading to self-deception (2 Chr 25:19; Rom 12:3; Gal 6:3). Yet we must also avoid an overly demeaning view of ourselves, remembering we are made in the image of God. True wisdom lies in a humble, honest appraisal of who we are in Christ.
The Danger of Self-Centered Boasting
It is unwise to boast in anything except “in the Lord,” where the focus remains on Him—what He has done, is doing, and has promised to do
(Ps 98:1; 2 Cor 10:17). To boast in the Lord is to declare, “Look what the Lord has done for me. I was—and always will be—incapable of
achieving anything of eternal value on my own.” Instead, we affirm, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength… I rejoice in
Him” (Phil 4:13; Ps 34:2, 44:8; Jer 9:23–24; 1 Cor 1:31).
Boast only in the cross of Christ – Galatians 6:1
Those who boast fail to grasp the truth: even when God works through us, it is never by our own ability (Deut 8:17–18; Isa 10:15; Zech 4:6; Rom 11:18). The apostle Paul, despite having every reason to boast in his credentials and spiritual experiences, counted them as loss—indeed, as rubbish—compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 11:16–12:10; Phil 3:4–11).
Why Boasting Is Sinful
Boasting is wrong because it places self at the center—it is about “what we have and what we do.” In contrast, expressing appreciation, honoring others, and speaking highly of their accomplishments bring encouragement and should be a regular part of Christian life, rather than self-praise (Prov 27:2; Isa 5:21; 2 Cor 9:2–3; 1 Jn 2:16). A boastful person lacks humility and has not been broken at the foot of the cross, where our supposed righteousness is revealed as nothing but filthy rags (Isa 64:6). Our only hope and security rest in His grace and mercy. Since our entrance into heaven depends not on our efforts but on God’s grace, boasting has no place (Eph 2:8–9).
The Fleshly Nature of Arrogance
The tongue makes great claims and declares future plans, yet James warns, “All such boasting is evil” (Prov 27:1; Jas 3:5; 4:13–16). Arrogance and boasting are clear traits of the flesh (Rom 1:30). Even Satan’s fall began with prideful self-exaltation as he declared, “I will…I will…” (Isa 14:12–15).
Reflection and Application:
- Am I tempted to take credit for what God has accomplished through me?
- Do I find myself comparing my gifts or achievements with others?
- How can I redirect praise from myself to the Lord in everyday conversations?
- In what areas of my life do I need to embrace weakness so Christ’s power can be made perfect?