Why Knowing God Matters More Than Earthly Achievements
Introduction: What Makes a Person Truly Great?
Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what makes someone truly “great”? Is it their intelligence, physical strength, or how much money they have? Society often tells us that these things—wisdom, strength, and wealth—are the marks of success. But, in Jeremiah 9:23-24, the Bible offers a different perspective. It challenges us to rethink what really counts in life, and where our true worth comes from.
Earthly Achievements: Why Wisdom, Strength, and Wealth Are Not Lasting Measures
It’s easy to celebrate people who are smart, strong, or rich. After all, these qualities can open doors, win awards, and create comfortable lives. But if we’re honest, they don’t last forever. Wisdom can fail us, strength fades, and wealth can disappear in an instant. These achievements are temporary—they can’t guarantee lasting happiness, peace, or purpose.
Jeremiah 9:23 warns us not to boast about these things. The reason is simple: while they might impress others for a while, they don’t define who we are at the core. They aren’t the true measure of a person’s value.
God’s Perspective: The Call to Boast in Knowing and Understanding God
Instead of bragging about what we have or what we can do, Jeremiah 9:24 encourages us to “boast” about knowing and understanding God. In other words, the most important thing we can pursue is a genuine relationship with God. This isn’t about religious rituals or ticking boxes—it’s about connecting with the One who made us, loves us, and wants us to reflect His character.
God’s desire is for us to know Him personally, to understand his ways, and to let that relationship shape who we are. When we do this, we find a sense of worth that isn’t based on achievements, but on being loved and valued by God.
Understanding Righteousness: What It Means to Align with God’s Character
So, what does “righteousness” mean in everyday life? Simply put, righteousness is living in a way that reflects God’s character. It’s about being honest, fair, compassionate, and faithful—not just when it’s convenient, but as a way of life.
Righteousness isn’t about being perfect or following a long list of rules. It’s about letting God’s values shape our choices, our attitudes, and the way we treat others. It means caring about what God cares about—things like justice, kindness, and truth.
Why Righteousness Matters: God’s Delight in Justice, Faithfulness, and Righteousness
According to Jeremiah 9:24, God “delights” in righteousness, justice, and faithfulness. These are the qualities that matter most to Him. When we live out these values, we honor God and become the kind of people He wants us to be.
Righteousness is not just a spiritual concept—it’s practical. It shows up in how we treat our family, how we handle conflict, how we support people in need, and how we make decisions. It’s about being trustworthy, fair, and kind, even when no one is watching.
Practical Takeaways: How to Live Out These Values Daily
1. Prioritize Your Relationship with God: Spend time praying, reading, and reflecting on who God is. Let your relationship with Him guide your actions and decisions.
2. Practice Justice: Stand up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Treat people fairly, and speak out against injustice.
3. Be Faithful: Keep your promises, show up for others, and be dependable. Let your actions match your words.
4. Show Kindness: Go out of your way to care for others, whether it’s a smile, a helping hand, or a listening ear.
5. Reflect on Your Values: Ask yourself regularly: Am I living in a way that reflects God’s character? Where can I grow?
Conclusion: Finding Lasting Worth in a Relationship with God
At the end of the day, wisdom, strength, and wealth can only take us so far. True worth comes from knowing God and living in a way that reflects His heart. Righteousness isn’t just a lofty idea—it’s a way of life that brings joy, peace, and purpose.
As Jeremiah 9:23-24 reminds us, let’s choose to prioritize our relationship with God and strive to live out values like justice, faithfulness, and righteousness. That’s where lasting greatness is found—not just in what we achieve, but in who we become.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 