Boasting

2Cor. 10:12 ¶ For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.
2Cor. 10:13 But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.
2Cor. 10:14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ;
2Cor. 10:15 not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you,
2Cor. 10:16 so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.
2Cor. 10:17 But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.
2Cor. 10:18 For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.

It's interesting while preparing this message to read this passage in light of Don Miller's "Searching For God Knows What." He takes the analogy of an alien coming to observe people on earth and the one major thing that the alien notices is that everyone is comparing themselves to each other and how silly it is. Indeed it is! And it's amazing how our identity is wrapped up in man's approval! I hope I can take Paul's words to heart. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.