Why the world needs cocky Christians.

Can you think of the cockiest guy you've ever met without your head blowing up? 

If so, I want you to compare him to this cocky guy I met last year. 

Sometime last summer I was playing a pick up soccer game with some random people when 5 minutes into the game, a guy walked off the field yelling profanities because according to him his whole team was so *bleeping* pathetic. 

Now keep in mind this wasn't the world cup or a competitive league. This was a fun pick up game...

No one keeps score. Random people can play. You don't get any trophies. And there were no scouts out there. Yet this guy lost it. 

He was literally so disgusted by our level of play and effort that he left. He didn't take a breather. No. He got in his car and drove off. Yea, cockiest guy I've seen in a long time. 

Also, perfect guy to teach us something. But not what you think. 

I'm not gonna ask you to not be cocky like 'that guy'. Actually, I want you to do the opposite. 
I want you to be like that guy. Only shift the object of your pride. 

See, most people take pride in themselves. Or something they own. Earned. Do well. Wear. 

Christians however are called to take pride in something else... the cross. 

Here's how Paul puts it.

'May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world' Galatians 6:14

I know it sounds weird to compare Paul to my cocky soccer buddy but the truth is they are more similar than you think.

Paul was the kind of guy that walked in the room and everyone noticed how cocky he was...
about the cross of Jesus.

See, Paul was convinced that the gospel, the cross and Jesus was the most amazing thing ever and he boasted in it. He took pride in it. He flaunted it any chance he got [in a good way].

Since Paul considered himself dead to the world, the only thing he could take pride in was the cross and boy did he.

The guy diminished himself....
rejoiced in suffering...
loved his enemies...
And boasted in his weakness.

Why?

Because of the cross.

I think the world needs more Christians like Paul.

The world needs cocky Christians who are not afraid to boast in the power of the cross.
Jesus followers who live the kind of lives that make much of Gods work on the cross.

Yes God hates self pride and self boast. But he loves when we die to ourselves and boast [only] in the cross because in doing so we bring him glory.

Boasting in the cross means we embrace weakness, reject self-righteousness and forget the past because of Christs sacrifice.

It means we want the world to know that Christ crucified is everything. Every pleasure, every blessing, every breath becomes an occasion to boast in the cross.

Todays challenge is simple.

Boast in the cross. Share why you think the cross is amazing. How has the cross changed you?