Day 2 — More Than My Score

“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

— Jeremiah 9:23–24 (BSB)

Scores. Stats. Grades. Levels. Rankings. Followers. Guys are surrounded by numbers that seem to say how good they are.

Maybe you’re the best player on your team, and everybody knows it. Maybe you’re always picked last. Maybe you have the highest grades in your class, or maybe school is a constant struggle. Maybe you’re at the top of the leaderboard in your favorite game, or maybe you can never get past a certain level.

It’s easy to believe that your number is your worth. If you win, you matter. If you lose, you don’t.

God said something to His people through the prophet Jeremiah that turns all of that upside down. “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom” (being smart), “nor the strong man in his strength” (being athletic and tough), “nor the wealthy man in his riches” (having money and cool stuff).

Those were the three big things people bragged about back then. They’re pretty much the same things guys brag about today!

God isn’t saying it’s bad to be smart, strong or rich. Those can be gifts from Him. He’s saying they’re not the thing to build your life on. They don’t last. Someone smarter, stronger or richer always comes along. And none of them can make you right with God.

So what should you boast about? “That he understands and knows Me.” The most important thing about you isn’t your score. It’s whether you know God.

And look at what God says He’s like: He shows “loving devotion, justice and righteousness.” He’s loving, fair and good. And He says, “I delight in these things.”

When you know God, you don’t have to prove yourself with numbers anymore. You already have the best thing there is. Win or lose, first or last, you’re still a son of the King.

Think about it: What “score” do you tend to measure yourself by? How would it change things to boast in knowing God instead?

Try this: The next time you win or lose at something, say to yourself, “My worth isn’t my score. I know God, and He knows me.”

Dear God, help me not to find my worth in how smart, strong or cool I am. Help me care most about knowing You. Thank You that I matter to You whether I win or lose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.