Friday, July 10, 2026

Scripture

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 10:17

Reflections

It’s tempting to compare our congregation with others.  We might boast of our own congregation while looking down at others.  Or, we might think poorly of our own congregation while coveting what other congregations have.  This is not the way of Christ Jesus.

We are to be about the business of building up one another.  There is no such thing as a perfect congregation.  There is no such thing as a perfect pastor.  There is no such thing as a perfect congregational member.  We are not always right.  They are not always wrong.

God, in his mysterious ways, has blessed us with a variety of Christian communities.  The day we decide we have nothing to learn from our brothers and sisters in the faith may very well be the day we decide to die.  God has placed us here to learn from one another.

One group or denomination may be particularly strong with its understanding of the faith, its teachings.  Another group may be strong with how it raises up and equips all kinds of people to serve in Christ’s kingdom.  Another might be strong with planting congregations.  We’re given the opportunity to learn from one another.

We do well to focus first on God and the good He is doing.  We are not called to compete with each other.  We’re called to encourage.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for the good you accomplish.  Help me to embrace and celebrate your goodness, even as it’s lived in brothers and sisters in the faith.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Corinthians 10:12-18