Boasting in Christ
The slow walk of maturity
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But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Galatians 6:14 (NET)
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This feels like a more advanced statement of maturity in faith.
Ideally, I’d like to be able to say this alongside Paul.
I’m just not sure I’m there yet.
So much of this maturity is about dying to self and living for Christ.
The cross is an extreme word picture of this “dying to self.” We don’t really have a realistic picture to compare in today’s world. The torturous execution on a cross was so horrendous that they literally created a word to describe it: excruciating.
The modern world seems so tame, comparatively.
Yet, somehow, I’m supposed to boast in this rather than what the world gives me?
Again, it’s a mark of maturity.
How can I reach that maturity?
By spending time with God. Allowing the Holy Spirit to continue to work in me & through me.
My responsibility starts with the right inputs: reading the Scriptures regularly (every day is a good idea), praying, memorizing the Word, building relationships with the Church (i.e., the people of God who can call out my immaturity and help me grow more mature).
Not easy, but good.
I suppose dying to self & living for Christ is also not easy, yet good.
Like Jesus described the Kingdom of Heaven, this life is the pearl of great value. The exchange of my whole life here on earth for eternity with Him is a happy exchange.
A no-brainer trade, as I mature.
I’m getting there … slowly but surely … I’m getting there.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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