IF WE MUST BOAST

If we must boast, let us boast of the mercies of the LORD. Two students attend lectures and put in the same level of preparation; one scores an “A” and the other a “C”. Many explanations can be available, but when we hold all other things constant, mercy is the difference between men.

I have written an exam before where I prepared diligently but got into the exam hall and misinterpreted the questions, writing the exact opposite of what was expected. After the exam, I had only one prayer: God, have mercy! In Acts 13, Paul and some other prophets separated themselves to fast and pray. Mercy spoke, and Paul and Barnabas were called into a special assignment. Were they better or more diligent than the others who were not called into that particular assignment? I don’t think so. Apostle Paul later told us that everything he did was a result of the grace of God. God’s mercy and grace are what enable us to achieve any kind of result in life.

Let’s be careful how we think. Let’s be careful how we perceive ourselves. Let’s be careful how we speak. After the healing of the man at the Beautiful Gate, Peter had nothing to boast about other than the name of Jesus. “So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: ‘Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?…… And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.’” (Acts 3:12, 16 NKJV)

If the LORD blesses you with something, be careful not to ascribe the success to your efforts. Jesus was very clear when He said, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) May the LORD help us to abide in Him forever, in Jesus’ name. Amen.