“Boast in the Lord”

2Corinthians 10:12  We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they do not show good sense. 13  We, however, will not boast beyond limits, but will keep within the field that God has assigned to us, to reach out even as far as you. 14  For we were not overstepping our limits when we reached you; we were the first to come all the way to you with the good news of Christ. 15  We do not boast beyond limits, that is, in the labours of others; but our hope is that, as your faith increases, our sphere of action among you may be greatly enlarged, 16  so that we may proclaim the good news in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in someone else's sphere of action. 17  "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." 18  For it is not those who commend themselves that are approved, but those whom the Lord commends.

Paul writes to a church riven by personality and status rivalry. He points out that humility is key to serving God, because all achievement is the work of God:  "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."  Followers of Jesus do well to remember that our only standard of comparison is Jesus. All else is vanity.

Ordinary 26 / Pentecost +19

48 God Supplies Our Every Need

The Scripture passage for the day is drawn from Reuben Job and Norman Shawchuck, A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and other Servants, (Nashville, The Upper Room 1983), 292.
This reflection is from my own devotional exercises for the day.