Practicing Secrecy in an Age of InfluenceSampel

Secrecy and Boasting: Two Sides of the Same Coin

So far in this reading plan on practicing the discipline of secrecy in an age of influence, we have considered what it means in daily life to generally refrain from making our good deeds and qualities known to others.

However, in our practice of secrecy, we would do well to consider the other side of this two-sided coin: boasting.

Before we look at what Scripture says about boasting, we need to be reminded of a foundational truth about the nature of our good deeds and qualities from the prophet Ezekiel. He writes that anything beautiful in us, all of our good qualities that others notice and praise us for, is due to God's splendor. Because of this, we have no grounds to brag or shine the spotlight on ourselves. Instead, we would do well to reflect on God's generosity towards us, which should stir up a heart of gratitude in us. (See Ezekiel 16:14-15)

From this posture of gratitude, we can safely approach what Scripture has to say on the topic of boasting.

The prophet Jeremiah writes, “Do not let the wise boast in their wisdom, do not let the mighty boast in their might, do not let the wealthy boast in their wealth; but let those who boast boast in this, that they understand and know me, that I am the Lord; I act with steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord." (See Jeremiah 9:23-24 NRSV)

Here, the prophet's words remind us that a lifetime of consistent—not perfect—obedience to God's ways will, at times, result in visible fruit that looks like wisdom, might, and wealth. When this happens, we are not to boast about the fruit of our obedience as if it is a result of our human effort.

Rather, we should always be ready to testify to a watching world around us about the hope we have found in knowing Jesus. In his letter to the Church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul writes, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (See 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬ ‭NRSV‬‬) For you and I, "boasting in the Lord" looks like pointing to Christ as the source of our strength in times of blessing and suffering.

So, how do we know if we have crossed the line from boasting in Christ to just bragging about our accomplishments? Here are two questions that can help guide us in this area.

Am I absorbing or reflecting God's glory?

Am I attempting to build my own kingdom here on Earth, or am I actively working with the Father to bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Earth?