Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
What do I have to boast about? I could cite my work accomplishments and other achievements and awards. I could refer to my spotless driving and police record. Or I could mention how many different ways I have faithfully served God over the past 50 years. And all of that would be true.
But what value does it have? There is a chance that I might be able to impress a few people. But none of my human achievements will impress God. No matter how impressive my resume might be, God will judge it as inadequate. I could never be considered righteous in God’s sight through what I do, no matter how amazing my life was.
Instead, it is through faith, and faith alone, that we are justified. Only by trusting in what Jesus did for us on the cross can we come into right standing before God. This leaves no grounds for boasting about self.
Boast About What God Has Done
If I want to boast, it should be about what God has done. Not just in my justification. But also in how he has used me since. It is human nature to want to take pride in our accomplishments. And we should indeed do our best in serving our Lord. But any boasting should be about what God has done rather than what I have done.
My life as a believer, from first to last, is one of faith. Of trusting God to continue the good work he began in me many years ago. I am a simple lump of clay, and God is the master potter. And it is God, the potter, who alone can rightly boast about what he has made.
Beautiful devotion!! Thank you and God Bless you!
Thanks. And blessings to you as well.