Take Pride in the Lord

by Ester yusufu | 19 January 2024 08:46 am01

What are you proud of? Is it your wealth, your titles, or your abilities?

If the Lord has given you these things, be thankful—but do not boast in them, because all earthly things are temporary and ultimately meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”). Instead, take pride in knowing Jesus Christ!

Knowing Jesus Christ is the greatest treasure (Matthew 13:44: “…the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…”); it is the highest honor and the greatest power you can have. This surpasses any worldly wealth, position, or human ability.

If you want to boast, then boast in this: You know Jesus! Rejoice because you have gained something truly invaluable and eternal.

The Apostle Paul explains this clearly in 1 Corinthians 1:30-31:

“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—
that, as it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.’”

This means:

• Wisdom from God: Jesus Christ embodies God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24). If He lives in you (Colossians 1:27), you share in God’s divine wisdom—not worldly knowledge.
• Righteousness: Through Christ, believers are declared righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21), not because of their works but through faith. This righteousness justifies us and grants us eternal life (Romans 5:1).
• Sanctification: Jesus sets believers apart as holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3), enabling them to live a life pleasing to God through the Holy Spirit’s work.
• Redemption: Christ’s sacrifice redeems us from sin and its consequences, freeing us from the curse and eternal punishment (Galatians 3:13; Revelation 20:14-15).

So, if Jesus dwells within you, why wouldn’t you be proud of Him?

Where does shame come from if Jesus Christ—the wisdom and righteousness of God—is inside you? Why be ashamed to openly carry His Word (the Bible), to speak about Him, or to obey His commands? He saved you from eternal judgment (John 3:16; Romans 8:1).

Jesus said in Mark 8:38:

“For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

Therefore, take pride in Him! Boldly proclaim your faith! Let everyone see that Jesus is your everything. This is a true blessing and testimony to His power in your life.

Paul also said in Galatians 6:14:

“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

May the Lord richly bless you as you boast only in Him.

Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2024/01/19/take-pride-in-the-lord/

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