FROM THE PASTOR
bragging rights
1 Corinthians 1:31
Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 13:4
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
Galatians 6:14
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
You’ve probably seen the title somewhere, “Nanna’s Brag Book”? You know the one? A photo album of the first (second, third, fourth…) grandchildren? I guess these days, nanna’s brag book are the photo’s kept on the smartphone, or some other tech device.
All of us boast at some time or other. Some people it often and with pride, while others do it rarely and rarely with humility. When we boast, it usually draws another person’s attention to something we’ve done, or have done; it might be drawing another person’s attention to self, i.e., who we are. Boasting might be done by a sporting achievement, e.g., State of Origin, Wimbledon, the upcoming Commonwealth Games, or like I mentioned, a grandchild – we all do it.
St Paul several times writes of boasting about Jesus. If I’m ready to reminisce, or remember about a past achievement, how much more should I be willing to talk about Jesus, and all that he means to me? Jesus is the heart and centre of my faith. Everything I am, and all that I have is in Jesus. Being ‘Christ-centred’ means there is nothing I do or say in my life that Jesus isn’t involved in. He’s not first in my life; Jesus is my life.
Can I boast about what I have? Yes, because I have Jesus. What a possession to brag about! Can I boast about what, or who I am? Only if I speak of what Jesus has made me, has done for me – not as if I made it happen, but showing what Jesus did for me. Can I boast about what I do? Yes, when I say, “It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20). The life you and I live now by faith in Jesus, is a life lived out under grace in the “eternal Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me” (Gal 2:20).
We Pray For:
† Those who commit violence against other human beings, that they would repent and seek to repair the damage they have done.
† Doctors and nurses and all others in healing professions; community housing, and all who work to provide housing for the poor.
† Strangers and refugees in our country, especially new or illegal immigrants.
† Those who are dying in loneliness, that God would send someone to sit beside them in their last hours.