I was challenged to share a favorite passage on FB this past week.  One of my life verses was the first to come to mind.  That passage is Jeremiah 9:23-24 which says:  Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

It’s easy in ministry – especially when you’re perceived by your peers to be “successful” – to say the right words & phrases that fit the current Christian culture, but actually boast in something other than God.  As Mark Batterson said at Catalyst Dallas: “What you don’t turn into praise will turn into pride.”

The key phrase in this passage for me is that I can UNDERSTAND & KNOW THE LORD; that I can be intimately acquainted with His lovingkindness, justice & righteousness.   That’s my desire.  And when I boast (what I give praise to) I hope & pray my boasting is authentically attributed to Him and Him alone.