The great boxer Muhammad Ali's signature line was "I am the greatest!" The more he said it, the more people watched him, often times watching to see if he would get beaten. He had supreme confidence in his ability as a boxer and he knew his attitude sold tickets. And it didn't hurt that he fought in an time when not many black men had the ability to stand up and be bold. He was an icon in the African American community because of his self confidence and his swagger.
The same could be said about Joe Namath. In January 1969, Joe Namath guaranteed that his team would win the Super Bowl. He delivered on his promise and became a larger than life star as a result. I hate to say it but when you look around sports today you don't see too many guys that are truly humble. The idea of a humble star, a player that lets his play do his talking, is on the way out in sports today. The media loves a guy that constantly gives them sound bites, positive or negative (mostly negative) because they make good highlights. A big mouth has become all too cool.
This "look at me" attitude isn't uncommon in other walks of life either. Maybe it's because of ego, but for most it is driven by a need to survive in a world where so many others stand ready to take their place. The market place today is driven by a "what have you done for me lately" way of thinking and doing business. People think that they need to blow their own horn because no one else will and sadly it seems to work.
This "look at me" attitude used to make people unpopular and in some ways it still does. But our culture has shifted to the point where that sort of attitude will pay off. But while it gets a lot of attention, it still isn't very appealing. No one really believes us when we blow our own horns because we are biased. And our focus on ourselves comes across as very self motivated and self centered. One word will describe it: PRIDEFUL!
"so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened will all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Colossians 1:10-12
The above Scripture tells me that I am not to praise myself but to let others speak about me. Whatever field that you work in, your job is to do the best you can and let your attitude, work ethic, gifts, and skills speak for themselves. When you do that, others will eventually stand up and take notice, and that will mean much more to you and to them than if you had to make them notice you with your own mouth. A "look at me" attitude may get attention in the short run, but it doesn't pay off long term. God honors humility, not pride.
Always remember that it's in His power that we operate and for His glory alone. Humility is more impressive than accomplishments. It earns respect without one single word.
The same could be said about Joe Namath. In January 1969, Joe Namath guaranteed that his team would win the Super Bowl. He delivered on his promise and became a larger than life star as a result. I hate to say it but when you look around sports today you don't see too many guys that are truly humble. The idea of a humble star, a player that lets his play do his talking, is on the way out in sports today. The media loves a guy that constantly gives them sound bites, positive or negative (mostly negative) because they make good highlights. A big mouth has become all too cool.
This "look at me" attitude isn't uncommon in other walks of life either. Maybe it's because of ego, but for most it is driven by a need to survive in a world where so many others stand ready to take their place. The market place today is driven by a "what have you done for me lately" way of thinking and doing business. People think that they need to blow their own horn because no one else will and sadly it seems to work.
This "look at me" attitude used to make people unpopular and in some ways it still does. But our culture has shifted to the point where that sort of attitude will pay off. But while it gets a lot of attention, it still isn't very appealing. No one really believes us when we blow our own horns because we are biased. And our focus on ourselves comes across as very self motivated and self centered. One word will describe it: PRIDEFUL!
"so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened will all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Colossians 1:10-12
The above Scripture tells me that I am not to praise myself but to let others speak about me. Whatever field that you work in, your job is to do the best you can and let your attitude, work ethic, gifts, and skills speak for themselves. When you do that, others will eventually stand up and take notice, and that will mean much more to you and to them than if you had to make them notice you with your own mouth. A "look at me" attitude may get attention in the short run, but it doesn't pay off long term. God honors humility, not pride.
Always remember that it's in His power that we operate and for His glory alone. Humility is more impressive than accomplishments. It earns respect without one single word.
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