boasting

Ephesians 2:8, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast." The Lord has been teaching me about boasting and wanting to take credit for things that do. This morning as I read through our passages, especially this one, I got some real insight. I have always understood how the free gift of God's grace removes the source of our boasting; God does the work so how can I claim any credit? So far so good, but this has never helped with my NEED for boasting. If you watch little kids, you'll see them jump up and down saying,"Look at me Mommy." or "Watch me Daddy." We all have a deep need to be loved and accepted. I believe that righteousness is the currency to get God's acceptance. That's why so many turn to some form of legalism. Religion is all about rules, Those who shun religion, just make up their own rules to follow in an attempt to create some form of righteousness. But God... He has a better way. This grace by faith imputes righteousness to us so we don't have to earn it. When I receive His righteousness, I no longer need to try to get credit for anything I do. This is such a freeing thought for me.