The Only Boast Worth Having

Life Lesson 55: While self-adulation and praise may feel good in the moment, they quickly fade. The applause of others—even likes and compliments—can never truly satisfy. What endures is the joy of knowing God and making Him known.

What Do You Brag About?

I will admit it: there have been times when I wanted people to notice me—whether it was an accomplishment, a project, or something I thought would impress others. Our culture encourages us to showcase our lives, skills, and influence, and I have felt that pressure as well.

What I’m learning is that recognition, applause, and even the “likes” on social media eventually fade away. The only thing that truly lasts is the joy of knowing God and sharing that knowledge with others. That’s why I express His love through my YouTube channel, “Talking About God’s Love,” and through this blog. If I’m going to “brag” about anything, I want it to be about Him.

Jeremiah 9:24 (NIV) says:

“But let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know Me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

That’s the kind of life I desire—one that highlights Him: the God who delights in kindness, justice, and righteousness. 

Three Important Truths to Remember

1. Knowing God Is the Greatest Treasure
   In Scripture, knowing God is not just intellectual knowledge—it’s relational. The greatest gift is not what God provides, but God Himself.
2. God’s Character Shapes What We Value
   Jeremiah reminds us of what delights the Lord: kindness, justice, and righteousness. The more we know Him, the more we learn to love what He loves. 
3. Our Identity Flows from Relationship, Not Reputation
   Skills fade, beauty fades, titles change, and possessions can be lost. However, none of these define who you truly are. Your real identity is rooted in your relationship with God—something that cannot be taken away.

How Can We Apply This?

• Re-evaluate your boasts. What do you talk about most? What you celebrate reveals what you truly treasure.
• Pursue God daily. Through His Word and prayer, draw near to Jesus. Knowing Him is both a lifelong journey and the doorway to eternal life.
• Practice what pleases Him. Sow kindness, pursue justice, and live rightly in your daily choices.
• Redirect the praise. When others notice or compliment you, point them back to God. He is the source of every good thing. Give Him the glory.

A Challenge for This Week

This week, focus on measuring success not by your achievements, but by how much you are growing in your relationship with the One who created you and gave you everything you have. 

Here’s my challenge: boast about Him every single day. Share it through posts, conversations, or any way you can—let the world see what God has done in your life and give Him the glory! 

If you’re going to boast about anything today, let it be this: you know the Lord, and He knows you.

Picture by stock.adobe.com