Boasting in the Lord

Twenty years ago, a 19-year-old young man rocked the Olympic games natatorium by winning 6 gold medals and 2 bronze in swimming. Four years later at the next Olympics, Michael Phelps improved on his haul, bringing home an additional 8 gold medals.

How did Phelps feel about being labeled the greatest of all time in his sport? What was his response to all the fame and fortune? Just a couple months after the 2008 Olympics, Phelps was reeling from depression and suicidal thoughts.

In the article I wrote last week for this paper, I noted that there are some great lessons that can be learned from sports. The Apostle Paul even alluded to athletic competitions in encouraging Christians to be self-disciplined in living out their Christian faith.  1 Corinthians 9:26-27

However, let this article speak to the limitations of athletics. Accomplishments in sports or life, aren’t able to provide us with a long-term foundation of fulfillment and completeness.  They just don’t have that capability. The high school football trophy I once won, was an accomplishment for me. In the long run, it didn’t help anyone else. After a little while, it didn’t even mean much to me.

In 1 Corinthians 1, there were apparently some people boasting about their wisdom and accomplishments. Paul, the writer of that book would have none of it, saying, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31

In other words, all our personal accomplishments and possessions will soon fade to dust and be forgotten. 

One accomplishment will never allow itself to be put into that same box. “Praise be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

There! There… is something worth boasting about: one Man in all of history didn’t stay dead. The God of the Universe, who had the power to wipe out this rebellious world, chose instead to lay down His life on the cross for you. Not only did He conquer death, Jesus also offers that gift to you, as a gift, by grace through faith.

I had a relative who was a fairly accomplished pastor and writer.  When he died quite a number of years ago, he requested that all his sermons and writings be burned.

“You’ve got the Bible,” he said. “Read that.”

Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.

John Lehenbauer, Pastor

Christ Lutheran Church & School

208 Langston Road, Perry, Georgia

christlutheranperry@gmail.com