I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 2 Corinthians 12:5 NIV

There is a big difference between the truth and a lie. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul addresses false apostles who teach a false gospel. These deceptive people taught from tall tales of spectacular experiences they claimed to have had. With fantastic stories, these false teachers led people astray and caused listeners to glorify themselves rather than God.

Writing, “I will not boast about myself,” Paul made clear that a true believer boasts in the Lord and not in himself. The apostle asserts that it is foolishness to brag about personal supernatural experiences while seeking the glory of men. This sort of self-promotion takes away from the apostle’s job of glorifying God along with the life and name of Jesus Christ.

Glorify God Alone

In order to accomplish his purpose, Paul relates a supernatural experience from his past. Further, he demonstrates his reluctance to share this story of an event from fourteen years prior. The apostle took care not to glorify himself in the tale but made clear to glorify God alone for supernatural experiences.

Paul’s aversion to self-promotion is in keeping with being like Christ himself. The Corinthians’ culture celebrated the spirit of glorifying the individual. Many worldly people today share this trait. The main lesson to take from Paul’s words is that we remember to give God the glory and not ourselves. As the apostle wrote, “I will not boast about myself.”

The apostle indicates one exception to the rule of not boasting. Paul said that he boasts only about his weakness. He insists God’s power is best displayed in our weakness. And so, Paul boasts in his weakness because that displays the power and glory of God. Admitting his own weaknesses and failings demonstrates that any success in overcoming difficulty is best attributed to God.

Yesterday’s Devotional: To Live Is Christ