Better Boasting?
Though Paul condemns boasting in one's own works in other passages (i.e. Phil. 3:2-9; Gal. 6:14), here he seems to make an allowance for it. Of course, the context is not in regards to taking credit for one's own salvation or sanctification. (This idea is abhorrent in light of the gospel.)
Paul sanctifies boasting here in a unique context - and I doubt he means "boasting" in the arrogant manner which may first come to mind. Here, he says that rather than comparing ourselves to someone a little worse off than us, thus boasting that we are better than that person, we are to rather analyze our own fruitfulness or lack of it (comparing our progress to our "old man" instead).* And when we perceive that we have made strides in the kingdom, I think it's okay that we feel encouraged by that, even emboldened - though our boldness to overcome sin should be anchored in the gospel. It's a great feeling to overcome and "boast" in that. Some people call it a "testimony." (Let's just make sure our testifying always points back to God, the "author and finisher of our faith.")
Extreme self-deprecation is en vogue right now. The fear of dishonoring God by taking any credit for our own spiritual growth shouldn't elbow out a healthy God-honoring boasting, or testifying, in our spiritual growth. Many, if not all Christians, feel pretty inadequate when it comes to spiritual growth. Let's enjoy our victories when God gives them to us. After all, they're refreshing mile-markers that the Holy Spirit is Sovereignly pushing us closer and closer to our long-awaited resurrection!
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*Note: It is convenient and cowardly to compare ourselves to others who seem weaker than us in order to sooth our guilty consciences or to diminish them in our eyes. This is exactly the opposite spirit of the gospel in which Paul instructs us to bear others' burdens and restore transgressors gently and in love.
Created about 1 year ago
