I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.
Joshua 14:8b

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READ: Joshua 14

Hearing someone brag, boast, or talk about how great they are or the amazing things they’ve done is distasteful to most of us. Even amid the perfectly curated world of social media, most influencers use “humble brags” rather than outright boasting to promote themselves. Pointing out one’s own accomplishments, strengths, or wealth just goes against the grain of most Americans.

Given the ingrained Christian value of humility, we’re often uncomfortable standing up for ourselves and asking to be recognized for our accomplishments. If someone takes credit for our work, it’s hard to speak up. It doesn’t feel good to be overlooked for our efforts, faithfulness, or good character. But in Paul’s exhortation to the Romans, “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Romans 12:3), three important words stand out: Than. You. Ought. Sure, don’t go overboard. Don’t get braggy. Don’t exaggerate. Don’t boast. But Paul’s implication here is that, to an appropriate degree, we ought to think highly of ourselves. Jesus, too, taught a love of self, referring to love of neighbors and self as the second-greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–39). We are God’s creation, made in God’s image. It’s okay to value ourselves, assert ourselves, and stand up for ourselves appropriately. In fact, God expects it.

And this was exactly what Caleb did: he gave Joshua an honest, accurate account of his actions over the past 45 years. He didn’t exaggerate. He didn’t boast. He simply told the truth: he had followed God wholeheartedly. Then he asserted himself, reminded Joshua that Moses had promised him the land he’d walked on during his scouting mission into the Promised Land, and asked Joshua that his inheritance be that same hill country around Hebron. Joshua granted his request.

A second example of Caleb asserting himself is nestled in this story: when Moses sent Caleb, Joshua, and 10 other men on a reconnaissance mission into the Promised Land 45 years earlier, the other 10 men had reported back that there was no way Israel could take the land. The cities were too fortified, and the people were giants. But Caleb asserted himself against the majority opinion: “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it” (Numbers 13:30). Caleb and Joshua were the only two who had faith that God could help them take the land. Joshua valued Caleb’s assertiveness 45 years ago, and he still valued it.

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

The Only Label that Defines Me | Esme C. | Willow South Barrington

I was born in a small village in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at the age of seven. Leaving behind the only home I knew was painful, but it marked the beginning of a lifelong journey to understand my identity.

Though John 14:21 tells us we are loved by our Heavenly Father, I struggled for years to see myself as lovable or worthy. Each time I tried to move closer to God, I felt life push back. At 19, I survived a head-on collision. I believed God spared me for a reason, though I didn’t yet know what it was. In my early twenties, I escaped an abusive relationship, but the cost was high: single motherhood.

Over time, the crushing weight of labels like “immigrant,” “victim,” “single mother,” and “broken” made me retreat in shame and pain. Still, God faithfully pulled me closer, strengthening me to assert myself against the lies that still haunted me. He surrounded me with a family who never gave up on me, friends who led me closer to Him, and a church home at Willow that became a place of healing.

Slowly, I began to see the truth: the only label that defines me is, “Daughter of the Almighty King.” Through full surrender, I opened my eyes to the endless love of Christ. Jesus died for my sins, and I left my past behind in the waters of the lake at Willow during my Baptism. Today I assert my public declaration of surrender and my desire to walk with Him.

DID YOU KNOW?

Humility wasn’t always seen as a virtue. Two thousand years ago, the Greco-Roman culture saw bragging as a virtue and humility as a sign of weakness. (Anyone who has read Homer’s Odyssey may recall the long, boastful speeches that heroes gave about themselves.) Jesus caused a cultural shift by modeling servant leadership and teaching humility: “Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42–45).

A PRAYER

God, I find if I get boastful, it’s often rooted in insecurity. Help me love myself with Jesus’ humility, seeing myself as You see me, and asserting myself appropriately as needed. Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

Which is harder for you: Asserting yourself when needed or showing humility? Why?

Describe one area where you need to be more assertive. What’s a good first step?