A good showing in the flesh.

Galatians 6:12-14, It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

There were those who by social and religious custom promoted self-righteousness based upon what they did, in this case circumcision, rather than what Christ has done. And they did so to avoid ostracism by their peers! Paul comes agains this forcibly, previously mincing no words by suggesting that those who promote such heresy ought to go all the way and emasculate themselves! And he puts no trust in anything his own powers to keep the law but puts all of his trust in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Has the world been crucified to me and I to the world?

We join with Paul in boasting only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ!

ESV Lectionary