Boasting in the Lord

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. (Romans 15:17-19)

In these verses, Paul displayed how proud of the Roman Christians he was. He explained they were full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and capable of checking one another and helping each other grow.

He explained that he wrote to them with boldness, not because he doubted their abilities, but because of the grace bestowed upon him by God. Now, we need to understand that grace is not a license for people to sin, but instead an empowerment from the Holy Spirit for a person to fulfill their specific role in the body of Christ.

Paul explained that his mission was to be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. His calling was to bring the gospel to those who had not yet heard it and introduce the Good News to those who were unfamiliar with its life-transforming message. We can tell by how he wrote that Paul didn't take this task lightly. He understood the weight of the responsibility that comes with it.

Each of us has a part to play in the body of Christ and God has given you grace to fulfill your ministry with power and purpose. Never underestimate the power of God's grace.

Like Paul, we should do what God has called us to do with humility and boldness. Humility acknowledges that our abilities and strengths are gifts from God, and boldness comes from the knowledge that we are empowered by His grace.

When you are celebrated or honored, make sure that you redirect the glory to Jesus Christ. By doing so, we keep our focus on the source of our strength and the true reason for our boasting–the Lord.