Scripture
14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Reflection
Paul is coming to the end of his letter to Galatians, letting go of the scribe to write this last part by his own hand, as it was the apostle’s custom to do that as a proof of the genuineness of the writing.
Throughout his letter, Paul wants to address the wrong teaching of a group of Jewish believers that wanted to submit Gentile believers to circumcision and the law of Moses in order to be saved. They based their righteousness outwardly trying to avoid making a clear stance for what Jesus has done on the Cross for them. Paul goes on by mentioning that even those who were circumcised didn’t obey the law, wanting others to be circumcised so that they may “boast about your flesh”.
What does that mean? Numbers. Followers. Influence. Power. Selfish ambition. Even within the church. The danger that exists in men trying to take the glory that is designated to God alone. It happened then, but this is still a warning for us today.
Paul certainly had influence and followers, yet he comes to today’s verse making sure he gives the credit to the One who deserves all the credit, and making a stance for the salvation that came through the sacrifice of the Cross.
Thoughts for the day/
“To boast” – to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities.
- Which parts of your life are you tempted to boast outside of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ?
- In which areas of your life is the world still very alive for you?
Prayer
Follow the ACTS acronym in prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (Asking)
