“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption–that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.'” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us–a sphere which especially includes you.” 2 Corinthians 10:12-13

“But ‘he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.’ For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.” 2 Corinthians 10:17

I was led to these verses yesterday and today. I have read these verses countless times before but this season has taught me how much God hates pride. He won’t let anyone glory in himself/herself because only He deserves it. God is a jealous God in its holiest sense of the word. He won’t share His glory with anyone else.

I remember the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. He gloried in his own power. He did not give any credit to God. In an instant, he turned into a beast and ate grass like oxen. But when he humbled himself before God and acknowledged God’s power and majesty, he returned to his normal state.

As human beings who are prone to forget, we need this message as a constant reminder to give credit to whom credit is due. I think it relieves us of the burden of maintaining a reputation of always being good, smart, and strong. It’s impossible for us to do because as imperfect being that we are, there’s a limit to our goodness, intelligence, and strength.

Like Paul in the book of Corinthians, I will also only boast in my infirmities. For the past couple of weeks, I have been realizing how weak I am and how much I need God for strength. God has been showing me I need to cling to Him for strength and confidence. It’s not because He is a power-tripping God but because our nature is weak. Our strength is limited. It is He who supplies us with the things we lack.

I can’t do life without God. The older I get, the more I realize how much I need Him. I don’t boast in anything. I have nothing to boast before the Lord. There is no good thing I have that I did not receive from Him. I only boast in Jesus Christ who gives me strength.

“If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.” 2 Corinthians 11:30

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.” 2 Corinthians 12:6