October 19 Thought for the day...not impressed

Have you ever been around people that want to impress you? Politicians do it, salespersons do it! If you have ever held any position of authority, people have wanted to impress you. Usually, it is all good, they want to help, be a blessing, get your vote, convince you their product is the best. However, there are times when certain individuals are so full of themselves that they talk, largely about what they are going to do, how you need them, how they are so important to you, but they never follow through. Paul wrote to the Philippian church about that...

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3

We have all experienced someone, while in a meeting, dominating the session with their verbiage, ideas, or opinions at the expense of everyone else. Sometimes all they want is attention or to hear themselves speak. This happens more than I would hope. So what do we do about it? First, we must be aware that we are not the culprit. Open discussion is great, but Paul brings wisdom to our conduct, no matter how convinced we are that our ideas are the best.

Selfish ambition means to jockey for position, someone who is trying to make themselves seem significant and vital in the eyes of others. The funny thing is that the word translated conceit means a hollow or empty boasting. Paul is saying don't waste your time or energy on either trying to jockey for position through boasting and self-promotion because it is hollow and empty.

The scripture tells us promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6,7). Scripture also challenges those that would boast with empty chatter that "a man keeps his word even to his own hurt" (Psalm 15:4). We are to be people of integrity. We are to be people who trust the Lord for everything, including our promotion. If we are going to talk, we need to always follow through with commitment.

If someone you know is continuously full of empty chatter, love them enough to call them on it. Remind them that others opinions are just as valued, and the ideas of others may even be better. We are to value each other, remembering that we are all sons and daughters of our heavenly Father. Keep in mind respect, if the person you believe is full of empty chatter, is an elder, leader, or someone you should respect. Speak to them, one on one, in private. Regardless, always be gentle and loving knowing that confrontation can be the most loving thing you can do at times to help someone grow.