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The phrase has become lodged in my brain. As Paul is explaining the gospel in Philippians 3, he says we "glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh..." (Philippians 3:3 ESV). He's not talking there as a pastor, a missionary, or an Apostle. He's talking about what is to characterize every normal Christian. They glory in Christ Jesus. He is their boast, their strength, and their help. At the same time, they put "no confidence" in the flesh. In the following verses, Paul goes on to describe how he applies this in his life, and how it drives him to depend on, and only on, the righteousness of Christ.

As pastors, and other believers, we are often tempted to depend on our intelligence, talents or personality to make things happen for the Kingdom. We act like there's a lot we can handle on our own. After all, we're leaders. God chose us.

But have you read lately about the people God chooses? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul says that God chooses folks who are "foolish", "weak", "despised",  and "low" (1 Corinthians 1:27-28, ESV).  Those aren't impressive credentials. But that is us! That's what makes it so amazing that God would want to know us, much less use us! It kind of puts life and ministry in perspective, doesn't it?

Pastor, though we work hard, none of it, ultimately, depends on us (Read what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:10). When you move to a new church to minister, it doesn't depend on you. When you are seeing God move, it doesn't depend on you. When you stay at a church when it's difficult, it doesn't depend on you. And when you leave a church, whether in happy or in painful circumstances, it still doesn't depend on you. Your flesh is never, will never be, worthy of confidence. That's Christ's role, not yours.

I've been reading some letters by John Newton, which I hope to share with you later. I've been shocked (and encouraged) by his honesty. He readily admits that every believer struggles, including himself. We don't like to admit it, but it's true. And that's the very thing that causes us to live out the first part of Paul's confession. Only when we realize that we can't put confidence in our flesh do we really begin to "glory in Christ Jesus".  And that's been God's goal for us all along!