Craig Clouston

 Superficial

August 15

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth.

Proverbs 27:2

Reed had just brokered the largest deal in sports history. His client was now

the Breakers’ newest running back.

Reed had landed Gerald Humphries a multimillion-dollar contract with

the largest signing bonus ever demanded. Not only would his client be set for

life, so would he. But aside from business, no one seemed to gravitate to Reed;

his attitude alienated everyone who knew him, and those who didn’t quickly

learned how big his ego was.

The press prompted Humphries, wanting to quickly get the details of the

contract so they could write their stories and make deadline. One reporter

asked a pointed question about his lightning speed only to have Reed inter-

rupt and make the following statement: “Humphries is fast. But his ability

isn’t unique. There are many athletes with his ability. But nobody on the planet

could have closed this deal except me. I’m the reason this kid’s getting the larg-

est signing bonus this team ever paid!” It didn’t occur to Reed that he was a dis-

tinct turnoff or that they really didn’t want to hear about his personal triumphs.

It didn’t register that he was smugly touting his own achievements instead of

directing questions to his client, who was standing beside him with a look of

complete amazement on his face. And it never occurred to Reed how his arro-

gance was received until, following the press conference, Humphries fired him.

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When we set out to exalt ourselves, we will, at the very least, be reviled and at

worst, humbled by God.

Our God-given talent is to be used in helping others rise to new levels of

success and service. We should never promote ourselves. Self-promotion is vain

conceit.

And there is no surer way of alienating ourselves from God and the rela-

tionships He intends us to share with others. It is difficult to enjoy the com-

pany of someone who constantly exalts themselves. It reeks of narcissism.

We should instead look for opportunities to elevate others and their

accomplishments, not looking for personal gain or recognition.

Prayer

“Keep me humble, Lord. Help me to seek not to

elevate myself in the eyes of men and to do what

is right in Your eyes. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”