I am Broken: Boast in the Lord

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, ²⁹ so that no one may boast before him. ³⁰ It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. ³¹ Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

It happened to be one of those Sunday mornings.

You know the ones.

After getting up a little too late and rushing through mine and Jackson’s bath and Daniel’s shower. Throwing together an outfit that fits and does not look too bad. Getting breakfast and arguing with Jackson about what he is wearing, running a brush through my hair and spending less than five minutes on makeup. Sliding into church and sitting down already exhausted for Sunday school. And then I see them, the perfect family all in matching clothes.

How do these people pull off looking like they have their acts together week after week?

My friend across the aisle smiled and waved, and I shot back the best “church smile” I could muster as sweat beads slowly dripped down my back. As the Sunday school teacher began to teach, I desperately wanted to prepare my heart for worship. I wanted to have it all together and give my best to Jesus. But all I could think about was the impatience, anger, and harsh words that had hijacked our morning.

The five minute drive to church had humbled us. Apologies were offered and forgiveness was extended. But sitting in Sunday School dressed in our best and trying to pretend like nothing had happened – left me feeling like an imposter.

Man, we’re broken. 

When we head into church I see it. The communion table set. The Lord’s Supper, really?… today of all days?! I instantly felt so unworthy.

Foolish.

Weak.

Lowly.

Broken.

In my pride, I had wanted our family to walk through those church doors that morning looking like we had our act together. I wanted to be strong instead of weak. I wanted to be polished instead of falling apart. I wanted to settle in on that Sunday morning – and every day for that matter – feeling pretty great about myself and all that I had accomplished. But the church isn’t a perfect place full of perfect people.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

It’s a place for the sick to come and find hope – not in their own wisdom, status, or performance – but in the person and work of Jesus.

It’s where the truth of who He is trumps our flaws and failures; where we worship Him for the depth of His forgiveness and the newness of His mercies.

It’s where the broken are welcomed and where the weary can find rest; where His wisdom reigns over the hardness of our hearts and the loud voices of the world.

It’s where once again we can find the end of ourselves at the foot of the cross, humbled by His sacrifice and amazed by His transforming power in us.

It’s where we can be filled up to go out and proclaim to a lost world that it isn’t us – but rather Him – who has done it all.

Wise.

Strong.

Exalted.

Whole.

This is Christ. Hallelujah, this is Christ in us!

“Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

One of my favorite verses is 2 Corinthians 12:9

⁹ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It is actually the verse that is the anchor verse for my book. We have to drop that pride and realize that we are weak and need God’s grace. But it doesn’t stop there, we need share our weaknesses with others because they can see what God has done for us.

In what areas are you tempted to boast in yourself instead of the Lord? Like Paul, where is God calling you to speak up and boldly make much of Him?