“To the arrogant I say, ‘Boast no more,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horns. Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly.’ No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.” – Psalm 75:4-7 (NIV)

When I read Psalm 75 recently it made me chuckle because it reminded me of something my mom used to say; “Don’t toot your own horn.” This was her way of warning me against bragging about myself. It is a very natural human desire to want others to look at us and be impressed. In fact, many of our actions, not only as children but even as adults, revolve around making sure others see us exactly the way we want them to see us. What we say, how we dress, the car we drive, the music we listen to…if we are not careful, all these things can be subtle ways of “tooting our own horn.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, there is really only one opinion we should be concerned with: the opinion of our Heavenly Father. We should always be acting and speaking in ways that he says are right and good. Sometimes when we do this, the people around us will be very blessed, impressed, and drawn to know more about what makes us who we are. However, at other times our actions, though in alignment with God’s will, are going to bring ridicule and persecution. This world is lost, confused, fickle, and blind. Trying to impress them will only result in you becoming just like them and being drawn further from God. So, whether it results in commendation or condemnation from the world, live to please the only judge that really matters.

Loving Heavenly Father, let our eyes be set constantly on You. Let us never brag about ourselves or desire to impress the world. Our sole desire is to live for You. You are the only judge that matters.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon