Giving Glory

Devotional for November 10-16, 2008

“23) This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, 24) but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9: 23-24 NIV

Beware ladies and gentlemen. There is an epidemic spreading among believers. This illness can block blessings and sever a relationship with Christ without you even major symptoms. This sickness I am referring to is the “I” syndrome.

Ah, yes, the “I” syndrome has impacted many believers. Causes of this syndrome include pride and haughtiness. This illness causes believers to focus on themselves thus taking their eyes off of Christ. Symptoms will include statements such as “If it had not been for me, then they would have never . . .”, “I’m the one that . . .”, or “Why do I always have to . . .”. Other symptoms include boasting of ones abilities over another. In this sickness, the believer believes that they are the reason for their blessings, their abilities, their strength. Then just like that the “I” syndrome has over taken them.

Jeremiah was warning the people against such a problem when the people began to put their trust in their own strength and wisdom. He knew the folly in placing glory in anything or anyone else other than Christ. The people believed that their wealth, their politics, and their military strength would prevent them from experiencing the wrath of God and that they did not need to keep their covenant with Him. In these scriptures he shares with them what the Lord had spoken to him.

1. First, he shares that “let not the wise man boast of his wisdom”. In the heat of battle, many men have been known to make life shattering decisions because they placed their trust in their own wisdom instead of trusting the wisdom of God. Man’s wisdom is limited and, in many ways, is faulty but God knows the beginning and the end. His wisdom knows no boundaries.


2. Secondly, he shares that let not the “strong man board of his strength”. Many battles we face are not won to the physically strong. Look at the battle between David and Goliath. Yet, when we are strengthen by Christ, we are able withstand any battle for Christ has already one the war.


3. Thirdly, he states that let not the “rich man boast of his riches”. Money can not stop the plans of Christ. Money does not get one into heaven nor does it forgive sins.
   Those who are plagued with the “I” syndrome will boast of themselves and which will eventually lead to a break in their relationship with Christ.

So what do we do? The scripture explains it so clearly. If we are going to boast then we are to boast in the greatness, the love, the strength, the mercy, the grace of Christ. The only way to keep the symptoms of the “I” syndrome away is to give glory to Christ in all things. Recognize that every good and perfect gift comes from Christ. It is not us who save, but the blood that was shed for us. If you find you have any of these symptoms showing up from time to time, take your focus off of you and return it back to Christ.

Prayer.
My Father in Heaven, I am so humbled that You continue to love me the way that you do. Every day you shower me with such love that I am unable to fathom the depths in which it runs. Forgive me Lord for boasting of myself. Forgive me for thinking that it is because of me. Help me to keep my eyes focused on you, humbly submitted to your will. Guide me in how to use my words so that I am edifying you and not looking to boast of myself. Thank you that you continue to give me opportunities to grow. I am so happy to know that you love me in spite of. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

Suggested Weekly Reading
Monday Jeremiah 9: 23-26
Tuesday Galatians 6: 14
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 1: 31
Thursday Micah 7: 18
Friday Isaiah 61: 8
Saturday Psalm 20: 7
Sunday Exodus 34: 6-7

Application
Anytime you begin to focus on what you are doing or have done for others, take that moment to give credit back to Christ.

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