Monday; May 5
When I was growing up, I was often told, “Don’t toot your own horn”. It was considered declassee to proclaim your own value and successes. If they were really that noteworthy, someone else would highlight them for you. Maybe it has always been this way, but it seems like this advice has become passe. We can’t seem to rely on others to spotlight us, so we take it upon ourselves to do it. After all, isn’t it good advertising to tell others how good we are?
Now, while this might provide our businesses with directions for our marketing plan, I am not sure it is appropriate for individuals. The fear of tooting our own horn is that we might begin to believe our claims and develop arrogance. I mentioned that this has become a modern problem, but the reality is that people have faced it for a long time. Even early Christians were warned, “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.” (James 3:13-15). In essence, let’s let our actions do our talking. If they are noteworthy, someone will point them out … but even if they don’t God will notice, and He will reward us the best way possible.
Think About It!