Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power or the rich boast in their riches,” God says. “But those who boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” Jeremiah 9:34-34

 

Just when you were wondering about your self-identity, a glossy ad for luxurious kitchen and bath fixtures comes in the mail. The text beneath the photos? Your home is who you are.

 

Is it true? Are we our homes? Are we what we own or earn or know or how great the scope of our influence is? Spend time on any kind of media and you can quickly come to your own conclusion.

 

Wisdom, power, riches. That’s what God points out that we humans have always been about. In the Bible book of Jeremiah, God neatly contrasts what we’re known for with what He values. “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power or the rich boast in their riches,” God says. “But those who boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

 

Amazingly, the God of the Bible invites you and me to know and understand Him. When we do, we’ll realize what He’s about: showing love, bringing justice and righteousness, here on earth.

 

We are a boasting bunch. And God says, live to boast in Me–boast that you truly know Me. Knowing God is a lifelong pursuit that ends well for us– Jesus said, “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth” (John 17:3).

 

Feel like you really don’t know God? To you, He says, “If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29:13).