DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- BRAGGING RIGHTS

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – BRAGGING RIGHTS

"I say again, let not one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in the confidence of boasting. Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast." (II Corinthians 11:16-18)

The word "boast" or its correlatives is sprinkled throughout this letter. It is found 13 times in II Corinthians. I dislike braggarts. People who boast about their achievements and how good they are turn me off. I guess in the back of my mind, I think that they must have a low opinion of themselves, so they need to brag to build up their own ego or self-esteem. Paul puts boasters in the category of fools, and said that boasting is a work of the flesh.

Do you catch the sardonic flavor of Paul's words? He is almost sarcastic. The Believers at Corinth seemed to be be swayed by smooth talkers who boasted about themselves. He wrote in verses 19-20, "You put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face." They seemed to be gullible, falling for some line while being taken advantage of. If they were so wise, could not they see past the facade of the charming personalities to the emptiness of the rhetoric?

Paul mockingly lists all the things he might boast about – his Jewish heritage, his persecution as a minister of the Gospel, his deprivation of hunger and weariness, not to mention his concern for the Church. But he then drives the point home: "If I must boast, I will boast in the things which confirm my infirmities" – that is in his weaknesses (vs. 31). The fact that God worked through his weaknesses brought honor to God, not to himself. His boast was this: "the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity" (II Corinthians 1:12).

There is a place for honestly speaking about our abilities and accomplishments. We are not called to speak disparagingly about ourselves. But when the motive is to cause people to elevate me instead of glorifying God, then I need to keep silent and let my life speak. I want my life to bring glory and honor to God, the One who made me and saved me. In my life, Lord, be glorified today. I want to brag on God.

Love, Dad