Can you Boast, a Little?

 There are many things in life that are good things, good things that many people have great pride in and have a desire to boast or promote themselves. The issue being that there are some directions given by the Bible that help us to understand when it is appropriate, or if it is appropriate at all. 

"16 I say again, let no one think me a fool. If otherwise, at least receive me as a fool, that I also may boast a little. 17 What I speak, I speak not according to the Lord, but as it were, foolishly, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Seeing that many boast according to the flesh, I also will boast. 19 For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise! 20 For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 21 To our shame I say that we were too weak for that! But in whatever anyone is bold—I speak foolishly—I am bold also."

- II Corinthians 11:16-21

The grace of God has been given to each of us, it is a gift, freely given and not earned through any works. 

"9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

- Ephesians 2:9-10

These two verses are given to help us to understand two things; 1. Grace is given to us, and we as sinners will boast but we should not boast of any good works that we believed earned us God's Grace. 2. We can be proud of the accomplishments that God has put in front of us and helped us to achieve, which exemplify our struggle to live up to being worthy of the grace given us. All Accomplishments are the result of the skills, knowledge and drive given us by God. 

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 

- II Timothy 2:15

Pride places us in opposition to Jesus, whose flawless character He succinctly described with these words: 

"I am gentle and humble of heart"

- Matthew 11:29 

C. S. Lewis astutely noted, God desires not only that we do good works but that we excel in doing good work. Regrettably, in many churches, we have conflated sinful pride regarding ourselves with godly pride in the work we are called to undertake. This confusion has led many churches to tolerate mediocrity, fearing that the pursuit of excellence might lead to sinful pride.

The proper equilibrium, as demonstrated by our Lord, lies in producing the finest work possible while acknowledging it as a "sign" (as described in John's gospel) of the imminent arrival of God's kingdom. Outstanding work serves as an indicator pointing towards God because it reflects the inherent goodness and abundant excellence of God's kingdom. While Joe Namath's theological acumen may have been lacking when he remarked, "It's not bragging if you can do it," the reality is that it isn't boasting when we attribute the credit to God—not only in public but within the depths of our hearts. Achieving excellence doesn't grant us bragging privileges over other vintners, or in other professions such as teaching, artistry, medicine, or any field where we apply our skills. Instead, we should heed St. Paul's instruction: "let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." We have cause to take pride in our endeavors within the noble calling of our daily work, all while maintaining humility, recognizing that it is God 

"who works in us both to will and to work" 

- Philippians 2:13

I myself give all Glory and Honor to God, his wonderful countenance and blessing that he has put upon my path have been on display and I hope to ensure that my own light is not hidden. 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." 

- Matthew 5:16