Jeremiah 9:23-24 (Declaration #1)

This is what the LORD says:
   "Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
    or the strong man boast of his strength
    or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
    that he understands and knows me,
    that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,"
    declares the LORD.

All the things that the world calls important: wisdom, strength, riches, and we could add beauty, intelligence, style, etc, are not boast-worthy! Sure they may gain us some status here on earth-- famous people are sure to demonstrate their style and wealth-- but what is that worth? Many may say, "Everything! Who wouldn't want to be famous!" But is fame and status what you're really looking for? Are riches or strength going to satisfy your deepest longings? Though working out is a great activity and very beneficial to you body and mind, who has said after years of weight training, "That's it! I've found satisfaction! There's nothing left I need, I'm good to go!" There's always more to be had. It's an endless well of desire with no water to be found.

That's because it's the wrong well. We're digging in all the wrong places! And who boasts that they've been looking in the wrong place all their life for what they really need. It's an empty boast. It doesn't mean much. That's why God is telling us not to boast about the things this world calls important. Don't bother bragging about how strong or wealthy or rich you are - it's not really a boast at all! they're all empty anyway.

But God shows us what is boast-worthy: understanding and knowing God! When we know God as well as we've been talking about in previous posts, that is worth boasting about! It worth it because you've found what satisfies. You've found what really matters. You've found the well that is flooded with water. It's bursting at the seems. It's about to erupt! And you've found it! You found Him. And that is something worth telling everyone about.

The cool thing is that while we've found our satisfaction in Him and start telling everyone of how cool He is - He gets glory. when people see how excited you are about God - when they see that you've found your satisfaction in how good God is and how kind he is, they'll ask themselves, "Why does she have so much joy? She's not rich, famous, etc... but she's so satisfied!!" And when they look into it they'll see that your joy is rooted in the goodness and love of God. They will recognize God's goodness as a result of your satisfaction - and that brings Him glory!

Getting to know God is one of the greatest things we can do for His glory. When we know Him better, people see Him better through us and He receives more glory while we receive our greatest satisfaction. Good deal!