Boasting

"Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others.  Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you.  For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else's territory.  But, 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.' For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." -II Corinthians 10:15-18 (NIV)

I volunteer at a nature center and it is interesting to watch the dynamics of volunteers there.  Some volunteers go to great lengths to be sure that everyone knows what they are doing.  They send out e-mails every time they donate something or volunteer for something.  Other volunteers work tirelessly without promoting what they have done, instead allowing the nature center to shine because of the contributions.  

Our witness for God can follow similar patterns.  We may know people that serve God and then boast about all that they have done.  Others serve God and allow Him to receive the glory.  All of our work should be for God.  We should work to serve Him and to grow His Kingdom.  As we serve Him, we shouldn't focus on or boast in our works or the works of others.  Whenever we feel the need to boast, we should boast in the Lord.  It is because of God's grace and love in our lives that we should choose to serve Him and boast in Him so others can know, too!

Boast in the Lord and all that He has done for Your life!

Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for loving me and for redeeming me.  Help me to not boast in my works or the works of others, but in You!  Through Jesus I pray, amen.