Boasting In Weakness

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." In the previous chapter, Paul wrote something similar in verse 30: "If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness."

So how do we know if, like Paul, we too are boasting in our weaknesses in order to experience Christ's power? Here is a list of seven practices/characteristics of people who truly are trusting in Christ's power for life and ministry, rather than in their own. People who boast in their weakness...

1. Trust in Christ alone for righteousness, rather than any merit of their own. “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling” - This is the major point of Galatians.

2. Embrace and pursue values the world disparages, discards, or admires only from a distance. See Matthew 5:1-11.

3. Give generously. See 2 Corinthians 8-9.

4. Pray about everything. See Nehemiah 1:4; 2:4; 4:9; 6:9.

5. Constantly acknowledge the Lord and take into account His perspective. See Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 37.

6. See needs as opportunities to experience God’s grace. See 2 Corinthians 11:30-33

7. Reject “comfort” zones as “power” zones. See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

Can you think of something to add to this list? Enter it below as a comment.