When there are claims made and highlights pointed to in our ministries and/or personal witness, sometimes it can come across as “puffing oneself up in words,” which is the definition of boasting. We don’t intend for that to be the case, however it can be taken as such, if not careful.

That’s why Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1: 31, says, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” What Paul is doing is putting an inspired positive twist on the word “boast.” He’s saying that in our excitement and desire to share, it’s okay to tell others of the accomplishments in our Christian walk, even if it sounds like bragging. He just wants us to be mindful to do so in the proper manner.

That’s done by making it clear to the hearer that the Lord is getting the credit for the good that has come about. The hearer should go away with the understanding that our words are puffing up God; not ourselves. They should be told the simple truth that, indeed, it is God who has caused the motivation and who has given the strength and boldness that’s led to the good works seen.

That should be especially obvious if one surveys Christianity. Clearly it’s seen that God works through sinners; repentant and saved, but who nonetheless contain a sinful nature. On top of that, the majority of the saved, by the world’s standards, are of no great influence. Most believers are considered weak, foolish, and to be despised. Yet, by the grace of God, it is these so-called lowly ones that exhibit godly works, bringing shame upon the world’s wise and strong.

To help the world understand or begin to comprehend God’s power, Paul encourages us to boast in the Lord. In fact, let all know that any good works that come from us are determined by and put into action by God’s wisdom; a wisdom comprised of Jesus’ righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1: 26-30).