But the one who boasts must boast in the Lord. For it is not the person who commends himself who is approved, but the person the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NET
There were people in the church at Corinth, just like there are folks today, who made a big deal of their credentials and accomplishments, drawing attention to themselves and away from Christ. They enjoyed being in the limelight, the center of attention, and hearing people tell them how wonderful they were.
They were guilty of boasting. The word Paul uses here means “brag about; to rejoice in, glory in.” And that is what these men in Corinth, and those like them today, were guilty of—bragging about themselves and taking glory in the attention they received.
But Paul’s words here are not just directed toward those who want to be the center of attention. It is relevant to all of us who serve our Lord. We need to be careful not to fall into the subtle trap of accepting credit for what our Lord does through us. Boast about what he is doing through you rather than in what you are doing. Be sure that our Lord is the one who is glorified.
What Jesus says to us in Matthew 6:1 is relevant to this topic: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Jesus specifically mentioned giving money, prayer, and fasting, but the principle applies to everything I do for him.
When people look at me rather than Christ, I have received my reward, human acclaim. Boast instead in what Christ is doing, being careful to point people to him. When you do, your reward will come from the Father. What other people think of us does not matter. What does matter is what Christ thinks of our service.
