Friday; November 24

Have you noticed how loud our world can be?  For some, this din is actual physical noise, but for the rest of us, the noise is more a collective shouting of “Look At Me”!  Our high-profile athletes pound their chest or mock their competitors to highlight their accomplishments.  Our politicians are quick to point out their victories while limiting their failures.  Products are sold using superlatives such as “best”, “greatest”, “new and improved” or “supreme”.  It seems like, in an effort to get attention, we shout our claims of superiority and hide (or lie about) our defects.
I am not sure that our world will ever reverse the trend of creating noise to promote itself, but as good, decent people we need to make sure that we don’t get caught up in all the hype.  I am reminded of a company whose unofficial slogan might have been “under-promise” and “over-deliver”.  In essence, don’t make claims you won’t keep while seeking to provide greater service than was outlined in the warranty or contract.  What would happen if all of our businesses adopted this as their slogan?  They would put the Better Business Bureau out of business.  How would this influence our political arena?  We wouldn’t have to worry about ignoring or rationalizing campaign promises because everyone and everything would be on the up-and-up.  Wouldn’t this improve our communication because we would be saying less and doing more?
The Wise Man of the Old Testament reminds us, “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.”. (Proverbs 18:12)  Are we willing to bridle our inflated egos and loud mouths to allow our actions and our spirit speak for us?
Think about it! 

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