So . . . I’m wondering about whether or not a person can truly be “nondescript.” Nondescript . . . i.e. “Lacking distinctive or interesting features or characteristics.” By the very nature that “nondescript” is an adjective, isn’t it itself describing a feature or characteristic? But beyond that, I can’t think of anyone I ever come to know who I’d call “nondescript.” Sure, I’ve known “plain Janes” and guys who kind of fade into the background, but as I’ve come to know them I’m able to describe what sets them apart . . . what’s unique about them . . . what they might say their claim to fame is . . . even if it’s they don’t have a claim to fame. And I’m thinking that what I know about my circle of friends and acquaintances is also true about what God knows of everyone . . . that everyone has a claim to fame . . . that everyone has something to boast about. Check this out . . .

Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.”   (Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV)

Is it safe to say that by our very nature we all gravitate to some form of “bragging rights?” Could be our job . . . or the school we graduated from . . . or the sports team we cheer for. Maybe it’s about how much we know about a certain topic . . . or how engaged we are in a certain hobby. Might be our athletic capabilities . . . our buff bodies . . . our discipline in working out every day. Perhaps it’s our kids . . . our grandkids . . . or our spouse. Could even be the church we attend . . . the ministry we are involved in . . . Whatever it is, I think people are wired to attach themselves to some set of bragging rights.

And the Lord says, let not your claim to fame be your intellect . . . let it not be in your strength . . . let it not be attached to your accomplishments . . . rather, let this be your bragging rights, that you know Me.

As I think about it . . . if my self worth is attached to my wisdom, I’ll always meet someone “worth more” who is wiser . . . if my value is in my strength, I’ll surely meet someone more valuable because they’re stronger . . . if the prize is based on what I accomplish or the riches I attain, I’ll never come in first for there will always be someone who’s richer and done more. But if who I am is founded in the God I know . . . well there’s no one greater than Him.

He is wisdom . . . He is unmatchable power . . . He is eternal riches . . . and, by His grace, my God desires to be known. And the promise is that for those who seek Him, He will be found. For those who desire to know Him, He will reveal Himself. For those who long to enter into communion with Him, He will come and sup with them. And in that . . . though it be imperfect knowledge . . . though it be a work in progress . . . in that, there is reason to boast. Not in who we are . . . not in what we’ve done . . . but in who He is and what He has done.

What other descriptor do I need than “He knows the Lord?” What other claim to fame than “He is a child of God?” What other bragging rights than “By His grace and through His indwelling Spirit, He is renewing my mind that I might understand the things of the King and His kingdom?” Answer: No other!

I will boast in the Lord . . . and in Him alone.

By His grace . . . for His glory . . . amen?