James 4:16-17
Yet you are stupid enough to brag, and it is wrong to be so proud. If you don’t do what you know is right, you have sinned.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
One of the things that endeared the late Sam Walton to so many was his ability to be a “regular guy.” He didn’t drive around town in a fancy car or wear expensive suits (although I’m sure he had both). He didn’t “act like a big shot.” And most importantly, he insisted that his customers be treated well. My husband and I once toured Mr. Walton’s museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. On display was this incredibly beaten up, worn-out thermos. A “customer” had returned this thermos to Mr. Walton’s early "five-and-dime" store, claiming that it was defective!
The kicker was that Mr. Sam did not even carry this particular brand of thermos in his store! But he gave the person a refund in exchange for the thermos anyway…because he felt so strongly that “the customer is always right.” And I have to believe that Mr. Sam gained a customer for life, because of his humility. He surely did something right, because we all know how wildly successful Wal-Mart has become over the last half century!
Please hear me… there is a difference between being proud of your accomplishments in life and being arrogant. If you have worked hard and become successful, you have every right to be proud of what you have achieved. But if you make sure that each person you encounter knows every minute detail of your triumphs - or you flaunt your wealth and acquisitions and treat people poorly - you have totally missed the mark. And God will not be pleased.
We Christians are called to accomplish all that God wants for us… to live in His will and excel to the best of the abilities He gives us. But we are also called to be humble… and to do the right thing. This means that we must show up in life whenever we are expected… for family and friends, our church and community - whenever and wherever God sends us! There will be plenty of times when this is neither pleasant or on our agenda. But I think most of us pretty well know when this is the right thing to do, regardless of how we feel or how badly this derails our own plans.
This is important stuff! God wants us to be smart… to be unassuming and unpretentious… to do what we know is right, regardless of how we may feel or how it may wreck our personal itinerary. God will undoubtedly bless us well beyond what we deserve… but this is in no way our license to become a “big shot!” If we are truly attuned to His voice – and His will – we will know that arrogance is not considered an attribute! God wants modest, respectful servants who show up when they should and do what He has ordained. Do you fit this description? Shouldn’t you?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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