When it comes to what truly matters in life, the words from Jeremiah 9:23-24 provide a profound perspective. Here’s the passage in simple terms: God says not to brag about how smart, strong, or wealthy we are. Instead, if we want to boast about anything, it should be about truly understanding and knowing who God is.
What Does This Mean?
We live in a world where success is often measured by how much we know, how powerful we are, or how much money we make. People tend to take pride in their achievements, their abilities, and their possessions. While these things can be good, Jeremiah reminds us that they aren’t what truly define our worth or bring ultimate meaning to our lives.
The essence of this verse is that God’s greatest desire for us is to know Him—not just know about Him like a fact in a book, but to have a personal and intimate relationship with Him. That kind of knowing is far more valuable than any worldly accomplishment.
Understanding God: More Than Just Facts
Knowing God isn’t about memorizing religious rules or collecting theological knowledge. It’s about experiencing who He is—His love, justice, kindness, and mercy. It’s about seeing God’s character reflected in the way He interacts with us and the world.
Think of it like a friendship. You can know someone’s birthday, their favorite movie, or where they work, but that doesn’t mean you truly know them. True understanding happens when you spend time with them, talk to them, and share life together. That’s the kind of relationship God wants with us.
Why This Matters
This passage also shows us what really counts in life. Intelligence, strength, and wealth can fade. There will always be someone smarter, stronger, or richer. But knowing God gives us something eternal and unshakable—a deep sense of purpose and grounding that nothing else can offer.
When we focus on knowing God, we begin to see the world differently. We start to care about what He cares about: loving others, seeking justice, and showing kindness. Our lives become less about proving ourselves and more about reflecting the goodness of God to others.
How Can We Pursue Knowing God?
If this idea resonates with you, here are a few simple ways to grow in your understanding of God:
· Spend time in prayer: Talking with God, just like you would a close friend, is one of the best ways to grow closer to Him.
· Read the Bible: The stories, teachings, and accounts in scripture reveal God’s character and His heart for humanity.
· Look for God in everyday life: Whether it’s in nature, acts of kindness, or moments of peace, God often reveals Himself in simple, quiet ways.
· Be part of a community of faith: Learning and growing with others can deepen your understanding and encourage your journey.
The Heart of the Message
Jeremiah 9:23-24 is a reminder that life is about more than achievements, status, or wealth. It’s about knowing the One who created us and finding joy in that relationship. So, when we have something to boast about, let it be this: that we are growing closer to God each day.
In the end, knowing God is the greatest treasure we can ever have. It shapes how we live, how we treat others, and how we face the challenges of life. And that’s something truly worth celebrating.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 