We have always said "I can do it", "if others can do it, so can I". We don't realize that we are bragging because we thought that because of our own abilities, our own strength and strategy we got these things or dreams. Therefore, Apostle Paul continues to remind us not to put full trust in ourselves so that we will not be in danger in the end.
We can see that Apostle Paul is an example that despite what he had, he did not brag about it. But on the other hand, the things he has are really amazing and raise self-confidence because what he has reached or achieved or achieved is amazing and truly proud. He said (vs4) if any other man thinks that he hath whereof be might trust in the flesh, "I more".... Let's list what we have already achieved and this is a reason to have confidence in our body this land, the Apostle Paul achieved more.
He is..
1. Circumcised the eighth day.
2. from the tribe of Benjamin
3. an Hebrew of the Hebrews
4. expert in law
5. a Pharisee
6. concering zeal
7. (before) authority to persecute the church
8. "blameless"..
But all these are not important now as he is completely a true Christian. This is no longer his source of strength and confidence to fulfill God's will in his life. In verse 7, all of these are simply considered "loss for Christ". Because in serving God, God is not looking for what you have such as wealth, fame, intelligence, achieved dreams, material things such as a car, cell phone, house, or whether you have reached beautiful places.
Although it is not easy for you to put them aside, but it is necessary because this is not what God is looking for in us. If we remember where it is mentioned in the book of 1 Corinthians 1:27kjv " But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;" it is clear that God does not choose people just because of things they can be proud of. God chooses the weak to shame the strong. because in spite of their weakness, God is the one who gives strength to perform the right service to Him.
God knows that no lust of the flesh can give glory according to His presence. (That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1 Corinthians 1:29kjv).
God wants that through His intercession we will be given wisdom so that our service to Him can be completely orderly and correct. In His intercession, we continue to be sanctified so that we will continue to be vessels of blessings from Him.
That's why He said, "if without me, ye can do nothing". without Christ in our lives, we cannot achieve or do all of these things properly. God wants to show that we need Him in every walk we take.
If we want to be used in the will of God, we must not trust our flesh, let God act and use us so that we can also fulfill what we want to serve God with faithfulness. We should also know that we should thank Him that we as Christians have been given the privilege to serve Him. ( 1 Timothy 1:12kjv).
Conclusion:
So that we can better recognize our God in our lives, let us continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit so that we can continue to please and not fall short of our own abilities. (Proverbs 3:5kjv).
