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Day 10 2 Corinthians 10 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trusts to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11 Let such a one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. 14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: 15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labors; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, 16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But he who glories, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. What causes you to boast? Is it your children, your job, talents? There is so much about which a person can boast. Paul told the church to cast down every thought that didn’t line up with God, and boast in knowing God and what God did in their lives. Christians tend to put the wrong emphasis on their talents and gifts, boasting in their accomplishments and not giving God the credit for them. You need to boast in God and give Him the glory for all He did in your life. John the Baptist said I must decrease and He must increase. John 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. 29 He who hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease. You are not to think of yourselves more highly than you ought. Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV) So then, all your boasting should be in Christ, not yourself and give all the glory to Jesus for all He did in you. Let’s pray: Father, thank you for giving me gifts and talents to edify the body of Christ. Help me give You the glory for them and not boast in them as if I alone am responsible for what You gave me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 9 April 2019 by Valerie Routhieaux Image courtesy of Pixabay