Jeremiah 9-11, 1 Timothy 6 • Key Verses: Jeremiah 9:23-24
Sports can bring out boasting in a person—both before and especially after the game. On any
given weekend, players and teams let any one who will listen know that they are number one.
Some players wear their achievements literally on their shoulders with letterman jackets.
Championship rings are flaunted, trophy rooms built and museums are opened to display their
accomplishments.
Others brag about what they have without saying a word. They drive flashy cars or have a haughty
walk and look. A wad of bills pulled from the pocket is meant to impress.
A common challenge is to keep our pride under control, whether it’s pride about our intelligence,
athletic ability or financial position. Pride happens, and so does boasting.
But God says, “Don’t!” These are not the things to brag about. Instead, He says, “Let him who
boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me” (9:24). Knowing God is the only thing
in which we should take pride.
The athlete will grow older, his skills diminished by age. The wealthy person will one day realize
that the abundance of life is not found in possessions. Even the intellectual may see others pass
him by and ultimately realize that his mental abilities are less than they once were.
Knowing God, though, just gets better and lasts for all eternity. Now that is worth boasting about!
Can you say, “I know God”? If you can, think about how great and permanent that is. It is a blessing worth
telling to others.
Woodrow kroll & Tony beckett
www.backtothebible.in