Jeremiah 9:23-24 (MSG)
GOD’s Message: “Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches.
24 If you brag, brag of this and this only: That you understand and know me. I’m GOD, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks.” GOD’s Decree.
Knowing about God is not the same as knowing him personally. People tend to admire these qualities in others: human intelligence, might, thoughtfulness, and possessions.
But God puts a higher priority on knowing him personally and living a life that reflects his impartiality and righteousness. James in the scriptures says, Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
We live in a time when men boast of their wisdom about God, salvation, and heaven yet we live in a time when we see love growing cold and hate for fellowmen at a high. We see little mercy in the land. We see each individual seeking his own and trying to make his pile greater.
There is no greatness apart from God’s mercy, justice and righteousness. To attempt to be great away from God is foolishness.
Hosea 4:6 (KJV)
My people are destroyed for lack of
knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that
thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I
will also forget thy children.
2
Chronicles 7:14 (MSG)
and my people, my God-defined people,
respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their
backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from
heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.
