16.06.2025 | True Greatness – Boasting in the Right Thing | HEART ANCHOR
Let the one who boasts, boast in this: that they know me
Jeremiah 9:23–24
⸻
Bible Text
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.”
— Jeremiah 9:23–24
⸻
Introduction
In a performance-driven society, only one thing seems to matter: top grades, follower counts, or impressive achievements. But what if God is proud of entirely different things? In Jeremiah 9:23–24, the Lord turns our assumptions upside down and invites us to redefine our sense of worth.
⸻
Devotional
Jeremiah challenges us: everything we achieve in this world—fame, power, or wealth—cannot give us what God desires. The temptation to define ourselves by our intelligence, strength, or material possessions is great—these qualities are visible and measurable. But God’s standard is different: He delights in our “knowing” Him and in the insight that springs from that relationship.
-
Having insight means recognizing our limits and acknowledging our daily need for God’s grace.
-
Knowing God is more than Bible knowledge—it’s a living relationship that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
-
Kindness, justice, and righteousness are not abstract concepts but God’s heartbeat for the weak, oppressed, and lost.
When we align ourselves with these values, we discover freedom: no longer pressured by the world’s rankings, but invited to grow in God’s community and participate in His work.
⸻
Story – “Building the Tower in the Youth Basement”
In a lively church youth group, the teens planned a big event: they would build a wooden tower taller than anything they’d attempted before. Jonas, Lea, and their friends divided the tasks: Jonas handled the engineering (he excelled in math), Lea secured sponsorships (her contacts were impressive), and others supplied plenty of materials—money and tools were at the ready.
Construction began, and the tower rose quickly. Proudly, they posed for photos in front of the wobbling structure. But the higher it grew, the more unstable it became. With the last plank in place, the whole thing collapsed in a crash. Panic! Splinters flew, tears fell as they surveyed the wreckage of their effort.
In the chaos, Pastor Miriam stepped forward and said, “God isn’t pleased with the tallest tower but with hearts that build Him in love.” Then she suggested they spend the afternoon with the homeless instead: cooking soup together and sharing real stories. Hesitantly, the teens helped—no tower, but genuine warmth and connection. They heard human stories of struggle and shared their own concerns. In that simple meeting, they saw God’s kindness come alive.
By day’s end, no tower stood—but in their faces was a new satisfaction. They realized that true greatness isn’t in grand projects but in the love we put into action.
⸻
Thoughts
-
Knowledge vs. Relationship: More than being smart—really encountering God.
-
Strength vs. Humility: More than assertiveness—God’s gentleness toward others.
-
Wealth vs. Justice: More than money—standing up for those who have nothing.
⸻
What Does This Mean for You?
Reflect: On what do you build your self-worth? Grades, muscles, bank balance, or likes? Jeremiah calls you to root your identity in God’s values: insight and relationship instead of self-promotion.
⸻
Impulses for Today
-
Heart Check: Write down three things you’ve recently boasted about. Then pray, “Lord, take away my pride—give me humility and insight.”
-
Live Out Encounter: Find someone on the fringes (new in class, shy, different) and offer them an open ear or a kind gesture.
-
Motto of the Day: Carry a note that reads, “True greatness is knowing God.” Read it before any major decision.
⸻
Prayer
Lord, you alone are wise, strong, and rich. Remove from me the pressure to define myself by performance. Grant me insight into my limits and a living relationship with You. Teach me to love mercifully, act justly, and share Your righteousness. Let my heart boast in what pleases You. Amen.
