Blow your own horn?

We have learned from our society that we must proclaim our own worthiness at every turn. We must let others know what we are good at. I have attended business meetings at which the presenter admonished us that if we don't tell everyone how good we are, "no one else will."

For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God? Vanity of vanities and all is vanity, except to love God and serve Him alone.
     —Thomas à Kempis

As Christians, we are not called to boast of our own accomplishments—neither in church, in our homelife, nor at work.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 reads: "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

The Imitation of Christ
Thomas à Kempis

I was reminded today of one of the side-effects of focusing on God and boasting in God rather than in ourselves—how we treat others. I am currently reading The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. The following quote from this outstanding book prompted me to think in this direction. May we all strive to follow this biblical advice:

If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel. To think of oneself as nothing, and always to think well and highly of others is the best and most perfect wisdom. Wherefore, if you see another sin openly or commit a serious crime, do not consider yourself better, for you do not know how long you can remain in good estate. All men are frail, but you must admit that none is more frail than yourself.