"If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity" (2 Cor. 11:30).
One aspect of Christianity that incites the hatred of the world is its focus on humility. The world, in general, upholds success, learning, social prestige, and wealth, as great virtues. The world says these are things that we should strive for. They bring us honor and esteem. They are the values to which we should cling. Yet, Christianity goes totally against this kind of thinking. While the Scriptures nowhere say it is wrong to be educated, to be popular, to be wealthy, to be successful, it does say it is wrong to pursue these things as ends in themselves. The glory we gain for ourselves on earth is not what is important, but it is the glory we bring to God through our humble submission to His will, and through our obedience, sacrifice, and suffering.
Paul boasted in his infirmities because through his weakness, God was glorified. If he had possessed all the strength, wisdom, and wealth of the world, his own glory would have blinded others to the glory of God. But because he was a humble man, persecuted and poor, the power of God permeated his life and his ministry. It must be said at this point that Paul did not take an ungodly pride in his weaknesses. We can easily fall into the trap of deriding success and exalting weakness as a virtue. Paul did not do this. He boasted of his weaknesses because his opponents in Corinth criticized him for his infirmities and exalted themselves because of their great accomplishments. Paul sets the example for all Christians that no matter how much the world takes pride in human attainment, in wealth, education, and success, Christ looks at the heart. Unlike the world, Christ exalts the weak because those who recognize their frailty have humbly realized their dependence upon God.
“Blessed are the poor” and “Blessed are the meek” are foreign concepts in a world that extols health, wealth, and success as its greatest virtues. The idea of being strong when you are weak, of being first when you are last, of being the greatest when you are the least is inconceivable to the unregenerate mind. Nevertheless, these are the virtues of the Christian. The world might not understand it, but Christ will bless you for your humility and for your desire to see His glory shine instead of your own.
A common temptation is worldly ambition. While we must pursue excellence, for the glory of God, we must not be vainly ambitious. Take care not to seek glory for yourself simply for your own sense of self-worth. Meditate on Psalm 73 and ask God to reveal ways that you are ambitious for worldly things.
