Shift your values — Jer. 9:23–24

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”— Jer. 9:23–24

Sometimes we can read over verses quickly and lose the impact of the words. I don’t know of many people who boast about their wisdom or might.

I do know people, myself included sometimes, who can become puffed up because of how much they (think) they know.

There’s a lot out there now talking about how you can achieve what you want. You can become and do whatever you want as long as you set your mind to it.

Part of that is good…don’t get me wrong. God does want us to work to the best of our abilities and push for goals in life.

Flip your values

At the same time…the “if you believe you can achieve” mindset can slowly shift our values over time. Our lives can become about us, and us alone.

I love verses like these because they help me to take stock of what I’m really aiming for in life. Achievement, wisdom, influence — or justice, love, and righteousness?

How about you?