2 Kings 13:18 – “Then he said, “Take the arrows,” and the king took them. Elisha told him, “Strike the ground.” He struck it three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have defeated Aram and completely destroyed it. But now you will defeat it only three times.”
In a recent conversation with a dear friend we talked about the difficulty many Christians have in ‘blowing their own horns’. She was expressing difficulty in writing an autobiographical sketch which highlighted her accomplishments and successes. Yes we are taught that a haughty spirit is not Christ-like and that pride goes before a fall; but we must see the fine line that exists between humility and undermining the wonderful gifts, talents and promotions that God has granted.
From the scripture above we learn that the King was being modest in his following the instructions of the man of God and his outcome, although positive, was greatly diminished from what he could have received if he had ‘gone for the gusto’. God is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him and do we really think that God wants his gifts hidden and under-used? Just as we want to see someone wear the special garment we purchased for them for their birthday or to see them wear the jewelry we gave them at Christmas – so does God rejoice to see us use, appreciate, share and lift the wonderful gifts he has bestowed upon us. Do not be ashamed to polish up the old horn, toot up the old lips and blow, baby blow. Let the world know that you are not ashamed of the specialness that is you.
Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a GREAT day! Be blessed! Have an awesome weekend. See you on Monday! Rev. Dr. JoAnn
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