Tooting our own Horn: The Echo of Emptiness: Trading Boasting for True Humility

Title: Tooting our own Horn, The Echo of Emptiness:

Trading Boasting for True Humility

With Dr. Ronald K. Powell
(Introduction)

Brothers and sisters, we live in a world that shouts for attention. Social media feeds are curated highlight reels, and even casual conversations can become subtle competitions. We are bombarded with messages that whisper, “Promote yourself! Exalt your achievements!” But what does God say about this insistent clamor?

Today, we’ll explore the deceptive allure of boasting and the profound, often uncomfortable, beauty of true humility.

1: The Folly of Self-Exaltation – The Echo of Emptiness
Let’s begin by acknowledging the human tendency to boast. We all do it, in subtle or overt ways. We highlight our successes, downplay our failures, and crave recognition.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:1-2: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; strangers, not your own lips.”

The book of James also gives us a clear warning. James 4:16: “As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.”

What do these verses tell us? Boasting is built on the sand of uncertainty. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Our achievements are often built on the backs of others, on circumstances beyond our control.

Challenge: Consider the empty echo of self-praise. Does it truly satisfy? Or does it leave you craving more, trapped in a cycle of seeking validation? The world’s applause is fleeting.

2: True Humility – A Radical Reversal
True humility is not self-deprecation or false modesty. It’s a radical reorientation of our hearts, placing God and others above ourselves.

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

This verse demands a profound shift in perspective. It challenges us to actively seek the well-being of others, even at the expense of our own comfort or recognition.

Scripture: James 4:6: “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”

This single verse encapsulates God’s disposition towards pride and humility. It’s a powerful reminder that our standing with God is not based on our own merit, but on His grace, which He freely gives to the humble.

Scripture: Matthew 23:12 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

God’s economy is upside down to the worlds. The greatest among us, are those who serve.

Challenge: Are you willing to embrace this radical humility? Are you willing to serve, to listen, to prioritize the needs of others, even when it’s uncomfortable?

This is where true character is refined. Remember that God’s grace is readily available to those who approach Him with a humble heart.

3: Boasting in the Lord – The Source of True Worth
It’s not that we should deny our gifts or accomplishments. Rather, we should acknowledge their source.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:31: “Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’”

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise person boast of their wisdom, or the strong person boast of their strength, or the rich person boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the Lord.”

True boasting is acknowledging God’s grace, His provision, His power at work in our lives. Our abilities are gifts, and our achievements are opportunities to glorify Him.

Challenge: When you’re tempted to boast, redirect your focus. Give thanks to God for His blessings. Share stories of His faithfulness. Let your life be a testament to His goodness.

(Conclusion)
Church Family, let us silence the echo of empty boasting and embrace the transformative power of true humility.

Let us seek to exalt the Lord, not ourselves.

Let’s remember that the true measure of greatness is found in serving and honoring God, and serving and valuing others.

May we leave this place with a renewed commitment to walk in humility, knowing that in His presence, we find our true worth and purpose.

Amen.