Let Your Boast Be in the Lord By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: "But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." — 2 Corinthians 10:17 (KJV)
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Introduction: Confronting the Epidemic of Self-Glory
One of the greatest spiritual diseases of our generation is pride—a subtle, deadly force that distances man from God and draws him into self-worship. The age we are living in is marked by self-exaltation, self-promotion, and self-idolatry. People have learned to flaunt their accomplishments, gifts, beauty, education, and status as if they were the originators of such things. But Scripture calls us to a different posture: humility. God alone is to be glorified.
When God speaks to His people and says, "Let your boast be in Me," He is redirecting us from the deception of self-centeredness to the truth of God-dependency. All that we have—our talents, intellect, strength, success, and breakthroughs—are gifts from God. We are not to glory in them but in the Giver. This message is more critical now than ever because of the demonic seduction of pride that has swept the world, crept into the Church, and ensnared many.
Let us examine this divine message and receive the instruction of the Lord with a willing heart, that we may remain in humility and live in the life that God has ordained.
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The Origin of Boasting and the Fall of Man
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." — Proverbs 16:18 (KJV)
From the beginning of time, pride has been the downfall of man. The first sin in the Garden was rooted in the desire to be like God—an ambition fueled by pride. The serpent offered Eve an invitation to self-glorification, suggesting she could be as God. The result? A fall from grace and the loss of divine communion.
Pride was also Satan’s original sin. He said in his heart, "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:14). This rebellious ambition resulted in his expulsion from heaven. Likewise, any believer who yields to pride is aligning with the very spirit that opposes God.
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The Spirit of the Age: A Culture of Arrogance
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves...boasters, proud..." — 2 Timothy 3:1-2 (KJV)
Ours is a generation that celebrates ego and individualism. The world glorifies image, self-expression, and personal branding. Social media platforms have become altars of self-worship, where people parade their lives and accomplishments, craving applause. Children are growing up in a culture that equates self-worth with attention and admiration.
God is grieved by this. His people are called to be different, not conforming to the world but being transformed by the renewing of their minds. Pride is a deception that blinds and eventually destroys. It is subtle, charming, and widely accepted—yet it is a seed of death.
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Humility: The Antidote to Destruction
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." — James 4:10 (KJV)
Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less and esteeming God above all. It is recognizing that every ability, opportunity, and advancement in life is by God’s hand. To be humble is to yield, to obey, and to serve without the need for human recognition.
Those who walk in humility are candidates for God's favor. He exalts the humble but brings down the proud. God desires a people who will give Him the glory due to His name. Humility protects the heart from corruption and preserves the soul from ruin.
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The Seduction of Pride in Ministry and Vocation
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory..." — Psalm 115:1 (KJV)
Even in ministry and service to God, pride can subtly take root. Leaders begin to see their ministries as brands, and their anointing as personal possessions. Sermons become performances, and altars turn into stages. God is no longer central; the self has taken His place.
This is a dangerous posture that invites God’s judgment. Just as He brought down proud kings and nations in the past, He is bringing judgment upon arrogant ministries, leaders, and systems. The call of the hour is for every believer—especially those in positions of influence—to humble themselves and return the glory to God.
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God’s Wrath Against the Proud
"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." — James 4:6 (KJV)
Pride is not just unattractive; it is offensive to God. He actively resists the proud. That means He takes a stand against those who exalt themselves. The proud become targets of His judgment.
Natural disasters, economic failures, plagues, and social unrest are some of the manifestations of divine wrath against a proud generation. These are not random events. They are divine responses to a world that has rejected humility. Yet even in wrath, God is calling people to repentance. He desires brokenness, not boasting.
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Stay Alert: The Deceitfulness of Self-Glory
"Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." — 1 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)
Pride often masquerades as confidence, success, or ambition. That is why believers must stay alert. Your flesh, if left unchecked, will always seek glory for itself. It is only by the Spirit of God that one can resist the temptation to boast.
We are to be sober-minded, recognizing that without God, we are nothing. The gifts He has given us are to be used for His glory, not ours. The enemy is crafty and will tempt us to touch God’s glory, but we must resist.
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The Way of Life: Return to Humility
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good...to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God." — Micah 6:8 (KJV)
The way of life is found in humility. It is the narrow path that leads to blessing, protection, and eternal life. God has not called us to boast in our flesh, but in His faithfulness. When we walk humbly, we invite His presence.
God desires that His people be known for their brokenness, reverence, and gratitude. When we stay in the posture of humility, we are safe from the deceptions that ruined Adam and Eve. We are kept from spiritual blindness and destruction.
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Summary
Pride is a killer. It separates us from God, invites judgment, and leads to destruction. God calls His people to boast only in Him, to walk humbly, and to reject the seductive spirit of self-glorification that dominates this age. The only safe place is in submission to God’s authority, in humility, and in the acknowledgment that every good gift is from Him.
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Conclusion
We are living in perilous times, and pride has become a dominant force in the culture. But God is calling His people to a different standard. Humility is the path that leads to life. To boast in the Lord is to recognize that all we are and all we have is because of Him.
May we be a people who reject the deception of self-glory, who fear the Lord, and who walk humbly all our days. May we be found faithful, giving God the glory in every aspect of our lives.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart daily and repent of any prideful attitude.
Refuse to take the glory that belongs to God.
Practice humility in speech, thought, and action.
Glorify God publicly and privately for every blessing.
Resist the cultural trend of self-promotion and embrace Christ-centered living.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Let your boast be in the Lord. Do not fear being unknown by men when you are known by God. Stay in the path of humility and know that the Lord will lift you up in due time. You were created not to display your own greatness but to reflect the glory of God. Let your life be a testimony of His mercy, grace, and faithfulness.
"That no flesh should glory in his presence...He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." — 1 Corinthians 1:29, 31 (KJV)
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before You recognizing that I am nothing without You.
I confess that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory.
I repent of every prideful thought, word, and deed.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God,
That He died for my sins and rose again for my justification.
I receive Him today as my Lord and Savior.
Cleanse me, fill me with Your Holy Spirit,
And teach me to walk humbly with You all the days of my life.
Thank You for Your mercy and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
