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“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 (ESV)

Tweets, posts and reels definitely tend to paint a loud noise of accomplishments. After all, who would really choose social media to taunt their worst defeats – not many. The feeds portray all things “I did.”  And this constant obsession with us also lands in daily communication where we are quick to elevate our status, high-fives and anything that lifts us up on a pedestal.

Huge danger in lifting self up. God’s word reminds us that pride comes before a fall (Proverbs 16:18). If our integrity doesn’t match the platform we are projecting, then we are on a slippery slope. Sooner or later, the real us rises to the surface whether we want it to or not. The crash isn’t pretty if we’ve fallen for our own media releases.

Best way to resist the urge to “self proclaim” is to allow our lives to speak for themselves. The quiet unfolding of our stories speaks volumes when we allow God’s revealing to happen. Witnessed this myself in the passing of two ladies in their eighties who never shouted their accomplishments yet left quite a legacy. One seemingly quiet woman taught Bible studies in a women’s prison for over thirty-six years. The other was a nurse for fifty-two years, and lead Bible studies, served on the mission field and sang in the choir. Both ladies’ faithfulness to serving God shined brightly. Neither of these ladies ever applauded or shouted their accomplishments, instead they quietly served God and loved people. Now that’s something to talk about.

The best proclaiming of our lives is centered not on us but draws attention and glory to God. It’s the things we do selflessly without any intent to draw praise or affirmation from others. It’s the unimpressive one, the average one who steals the show not because of her outward appearance but her inner beauty. It’s the quiet resume that keeps talking after our lives in this world are ended inspiring others to live out their days with intentionality and purpose to honor God. It’s the faithful servant who often goes unnoticed to the world yet catches the eye of her Creator. It’s the gentle spirit reflecting God’s character without any mention of her own.

Sweet friends, this world entices us to zero in on “us.”  Everyone else is doing the same. The innocence of shouting our best efforts will definitely draw a lot of likes. Yet the pathway to pride never serves us well.  If our motive is to impress or gain followers, the joy will be short-lived.  But if we pursue glorifying God in our actions, thoughts and words (tweets and posts) then His delight will be our reward.

“Fahter, Not to us, Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory because of Your love and faithfulness (Psalm 115:1).”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life