Stop Apologizing and Start Boasting
Jeremiah 9:23-24
By Brian Brookins
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“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 9:23–24 (ESV)
There is great temptation to boast in wisdom, riches and strength. These things impress us. They impress us and they impress others, and I find that I love to impress others! This idolatry, biblically designated as the fear of man, at times leads me to want to appear to be really wise or really strong in order to gain the approval of others.
One of the menacing ways that sin manifests itself in our lives is that we fret over offending others; we worry over appearing to be unholy and we worry about saying or doing the wrong thing. And so, when this concern pops up we apologize. Or, at the very least we are apologetic in tone and approach. Have I offended you? Have I done the wrong thing? Please forgive me and please approve of me!
Of course it is right and good to apologize when we have given could cause for offense. Otherwise, we should stop apologizing and start boasting in the knowledge of God. Knowing God and this alone will be sufficient for replacing the allurement of the approval of others and of wisdom, riches and strength. The result will be something quite contrary to an apologetic existence, but confidence to serve and lead all to the glory of God!
