Grounds for Boasting

One of my favorite quips is the reminder to myself, “I’m proud of how humble I am.” Yes, that’s an oxymoron. To be humble is to ‘not think more highly of oneself than I ought to think.’ ¹ When Paul writes to the disciples, he reminds that we are ‘servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God’ neither of which originate in ourselves but rather in the LORD.

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. ²

We will not be faithful to God if we claim the wisdom of God and the understanding of His mysteries as our own, making ourselves out to be more than we are in Him. Pride is rather insidious in that it displaces the truth and makes ourselves out to be more than we are, almost like we become the source of truth, wisdom and power. Paul mentions himself and Apollos—Paul the theologian and Apollos the orator—neither of whom are to be more than examples of God’s working through rather than founts of something extraordinary themselves. Neither of them presented themselves as a destination to be sought after but simply as servants of God. It is with sarcasm Paul applies the example of serving God,

I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! ³

He is not commending them as having already arrived at some exalted status but reminding them what appears to be a theology of grandeur and not service to God. ‘What do you have that you did not receive?’ is a reminder that they aren’t self-sufficient, that all that is worthwhile is from and in God to whom all Glory should be. Boasting would imply some self-merit or attainment beyond the LORD but the Apostle emphasizes the opposite.

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. ⁴

How exactly do you want the LORD to see you as you live our being the servant of Jesus? And how do you expect the world, those around you in daily contact, to see you? Are you trying to be humble or would you like to appear a little bit higher than humble, maybe getting just a little bit of God’s glory. What is it worth to you to live humbly before God and not nurture your pride before your acquaintances? Maybe you’ll want to talk to God about this today.