Paul was a smart man, quick witted with a quick tongue. There are some who have suggested that he would have become a figure of historical import even had he not come to Christ and become the apostle to the Gentiles. He had a respectable heritage as a Jew, observed the law strictly in the manner of the Pharisees, was zealous in his faith and well-educated in his religion. He had a lot of things that he could brag about.
And once he became a Christian, after a few years of training, he was God's chosen emissary to carry the gospel to the world. He went from place to place preaching Christ and leading many to faith. God gave him astounding visions and through him performed many miracles. Paul could have become pretty impressed with himself as a BMOC - Big Man on Christianity.
But Paul had a commitment, one which he lived out and proclaimed often. In 1 Corinthians, he said he preached Christ and him crucified. In Philippians, we will read that for him, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Here, in Galatians 6:14, Paul lets us know that there is only one thing he will ever boast about.
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.There was one and only one thing that brought Paul to boasting - the Cross of Christ. His entire life revolved around the Cross. He preached the Cross. He lived the Cross. He patterned his life after the pattern of the Cross. Because of his love for the Cross of Christ, the things of this world meant nothing to him. It all paled into nothing compared to the glory of the Cross of Christ.
What is my boast? From what do I gain my identity? My family? My role as a pastor? A writer? If it is anything other than the Cross of Christ, I've missed the mark.
Father, may my life be focus on Christ and Christ alone, crucified, risen and coming again.
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