The Internet has opened up a world of fame and infamy for those who want to leave their mark or make a name. Social media has given us an opportunity to put our world and face on display for all to see.
I am amazed at the post and pictures people put on Facebook and similar sites. Hawking one’s self and gawking at others has become an all-consuming past time. It is estimated that 18-34-year-olds spend 3.8 hours a day social networking! The infatuation with self reminds me of a comment my guide in Israel made 18 years ago when he observed the national pastime of Israeli youth was “to see and to be seen”.
Proverbs 25:6-7 cuts against the grain of our self-promoting society. Solomon urged his son to show discretion and humility, especially in the presence of great men. Solomon writes,
Proverbs 25:6-7 – “Put not forth thyself [don’t be a self promoter; overtly ambitious; seeking vainglory] in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up [ascend; go up] hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower [humbled; humiliated] in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen.”
Jesus taught a similar lesson regarding humility in Luke 14:8-10.
Luke 14:8-11 – “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. 10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”
My friend, my purpose is not to offend; however, as some use to say—“If the shoe fits, wear it!” Take a few minutes and look at your Facebook page and the pictures you have posted. Take some time and be honest about the things you have written and pictures you have posted. Forget how many “Likes” or “Comments” you have received and ask, “How much of what I write and post glorifies God?”
In a day of shameless self-promotion, HUMILITY is still the quality God cherishes in His people.