“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord . . .”- Jeremiah 9:23,24
In Chapter 8 (“The Reconciling Things”) of Missing Jesus, authors Charles and Janet Morris state that, in today’s world, people feel compelled to create identities for themselves. Our identities may be created through organizations we belong to, our education and accomplishments, or even our consumer choices.
Charles and Janet emphasize, however, that it’s important to understand that all self-based identities possess the potential to be divisive. There’s a great tendency for those identities to become our boast and feed our egos. Lines are drawn. Divides are created.
God has called us out of the world into His kingdom through the cross of Jesus, To heed this calling means to leave our boasting at the door so that we’re completely identified with Jesus- and with each other. It’s so easy, the authors add, to nod our heads in theoretical agreement to this principle, yet hard to live out in practice. Irritations, criticisms, jealousies, and affronts create a barrier to demonstrating to the world that Jesus has broken down dividing walls of hostility. Jesus brings His people into a unity of love. Let us boast in the Lord!
Today’s question: To what extent did your previous ministry or vocation define your identity? Please share.
New addition to the Crown Jewels: “Is there a gorilla in the house?”
Tomorrow’s blog: “Idol thoughts”
