Boasting on Purpose

November 26, 2016

There's nothing worse than humanistic pride. It’s insidious and constant and the foundation of all sin. We want the world to notice us and we will go to elaborate lengths to make it so.

But there is another kind of boasting that is not only helpful, but a powerful witnessing opportunity. Listen to Daniel before the King:

“As for you, O king, while on your bed your thoughts turned to what would take place in the future; and He who reveals mysteries has made known to you what will take place. But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed to me for any wisdom residing in me more than in any other living man, but for the purpose of making the interpretation known to the king, and that you may understand the thoughts of your mind. (Daniel 2:29-30)

Daniel knew this moment would cast light on the One who could do what no man could do. And, he was very careful to couch what he was about to say and do in those terms—to make sure that the king and everyone else would notice God.

And, at the close, he identified this Revealer of Mysteries: ""The great God has made known to the king what will take place"" (vs. 47).

THE WITNESS OF INTENTIONAL BOASTING

When God manifested Himself through Daniel, the king ""fell on his face...and said, 'Surely your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries'"" (vs. 46-47). But remember, if Daniel had not set this up with intentionality, the king would never have made the connection back to God.

We have this opportunity to make such boasts every day. Everything in your life is from God. If you will set up conversations or moments of service or spiritual activity properly, people will make the link that what is happening is not from you, but God. You must be willing to do this, (which is humility), and thoughtfully intentional to do this, and you might be surprised at the results!

Also in Graceful Truth

A NEAR SIX-DECADE TESTIMONY OF THE VALUE AND JOY OF SIMPLY READING THE BIBLE EVERY DAY

January 01, 2025

So this morning, January 1, 2025, I rise early once again. I will enter into the throne room before the Father, because the Son has made a way for me to come into this “grace in which I now stand.” I will open the Word God has written and preserved for me so I could have it in my hands. I will ask the precious Holy Spirit to teach me, showing me things which “eye has not seen and ear has not heard” that have been prepared for me. And I will have the glorious privilege, once again, of communing with God.