Are You Important Or Pushy? Self-Centered Or Humble?

I was told I shouldn't write an article with that title because it might offend someone. My response? It probably will. So, for those who are still reading, thank you, and let's continue.

Everyone needs to feel important. It doesn't matter what social, economic or vocational status we are in, we need to feel important to someone. Now, before we continue, let's clear up one thing: You ARE important to someone. The problem is, you might not recognize it.

Sometimes it takes an undesired event to reveal your importance. For example: if you get a deep snowstorm or six-inch rainfall the day before the sanitation department comes to empty your overflowing buckets and he won't be able to get to you for another week, you suddenly realize how important that truck driver is. At your first opportunity, personally thank that man or woman who diligently -- and often thanklessly -- makes your life easier by removing your trash.

Many folk are important by reason of their vocation. A brain surgeon, U.S. senator, governor, CEO of a large corporation, etc., are examples, and we should honor them for their position.

Some people do have an especially important status in life. But they may be immature so they make sure that everyone knows how important they are.

What is the major problem? These people, although they may be very important, have become pushy, and no one respects a pushy person. (Synonyms are: nervy, brash, loudmouthed, egotistic, narcissistic, self-absorbed, aggressive; and it includes being insensitive to others.)

A mature person -- important or not -- will not push himself. I am reminded of the very important Apostle Paul in Acts 13:14-15: "On the Sabbath they went to the synagogue for the services. After the usual readings from the books of Moses and from the Prophets, those in charge of the service sent them this message: 'Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for us, come and give it.'"

In that passage, Paul knew that Jesus had intentionally and personally chosen him to be an apostle, but he did not push or exalt himself. Instead, he waited quietly until others recognized who or what he was. Paul did this quite often. And in Romans 12:3, Paul tried to teach this to others by saying, "I have something to say to everyone among you. Do not think you are better than you are." Paul continued by advising us to put others and their needs above our own.

You might challenge me by pointing out 2 Corinthians 2:11 where Paul said, "I am not at all inferior to these 'super apostles' even though I am nothing at all." However, Paul was merely pointing out that several imposters were egotistically exalting themselves. In the previous book, 1 Corinthians 15:9, Paul clarified his opinion of himself with "I am the least of the apostles."

The immature person will push himself to make himself known, but the mature person is willing to step back and allow others to take the spotlight. In Luke 14:10-11, Jesus said, "So when you are invited [to an event], go sit in a seat that is not important. When the host comes to you, he may say, 'Friend, move up here to a more important place.' Then all the other guests will respect you. All who make themselves great will be made humble, but those who make themselves humble will be made great."

So, do you try to impress others with your prominence or social standing? Please remember this: No matter our status in life, if we are willing to step back and allow others to receive the attention, God will give us a place of honor that we cannot attain for ourselves.

GENE LINZEY IS A SPEAKER, AUTHOR AND FORMER PASTOR. HE IS PRESIDENT OF SILOAM SPRINGS WRITERS GUILD. WRITE HIM AT [email protected]. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHOR.

General News on 11/30/2016