"You might boast - but only in the cross"

​You know, you do have something to glory in.
And not like those who glory in their shame.
You have gifts, talents, accomplishments, excellencies, prizes, awards.
You have succeeded in many areas, have advanced in various fields, have had a distinguished career.
People would say you are smart, you are nice, you are a pleasure to be around.
You walk down the street, and people greet you.
All these are transient and the trifling, and nothing to glory in, compared to the glory of God in the cross.

Paul had a rich choice of things in which he could have gloried.
Amongst the Jews, he’d have been an honoured rabbi, a hero, a brilliant mind, religiously accomplished.
As a Christian he might have gloried in his sufferings, his 
relentless zeal, his tireless work for Christ.
Paul gloried in the Cross of Christ.