September 25, 2025 | Be God's Family
Never Boast Except in the Cross
Scripture: Galatians 6:11-16(NIV)
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. 14 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. 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.
Devotional
Get with a group of people in their 20’s and 30’s, and listen to them reminisce about their great feats in sports, their being the lead in the school musical, their being the class clown, brain, artist, or some other yesteryear memory.
Get with a group of people in their 40’s and 50’s, and they tell the same stories, but this time about their kids.
Get with a group of people in their 60’s and 70’s, and hear how they are wearing themselves out going to such events for their grandchildren.
Get with a group of people in their 80’s and 90’s, and they speak with pride about their family, down to the youngest great-grandchild.
Paul says, “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.” Easy for him to say. He never had a grandson competing in the games.
Paul was speaking about a boasting that went way beyond childhood accomplishments. He was talking about our tendency to think of our relationship with God based on how good of a person we are. Throughout Galatians, Paul reminds the people that circumcision and obedience to the Mosaic Law are hopeless causes when it comes to being accepted, forgiven and redeemed by God. Only the crucified Christ on the cross can do that.
Through Jesus we become a new creation. We become the Israel of God. We are adopted as His sons and daughters. The theme for this entire year is “Be God’s Family.” It is only by the work of Christ on the cross that we are brought into the family and made heirs of the King of kings.
Get with a follower of Jesus of any age, and listen to them boast about the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Poem
Reminder
Psalm 137
May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.
Psalm 137:6
When times are good
When all seems well
When vines produce
When purses swell
Heed this reminder
Do not say
“All that you see
All on display---
Came from my own hands
Sweat and blood
From my hard work
From my own good.”
Instead, the Lord
Be your lone boast
The cross, salvation
Lift the most
And even more
When times are sad
When feeling broken
Life gone bad
Continue, yes,
In endless praise
Despite exile
Your treasures razed
Remember, yes,
Remember well
‘Tis in God’s will
You always dwell
By grace alone
You do survive
By love alone
God makes you thrive
