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Dr. Kenneth Wuest, who taught Greek, was my favorite
college professor because he always brought something beyond
the day’s lesson to the classroom to inspire his students;
some insight that could change the day and leave a lasting
and enlightening impression. He called these day
brighteners “golden nuggets” and authored a book by that
title, a copy of which still occupies a prominent place in
my library.
In addition to his stimulating nuggets
of truth drawn from the Greek New Testament, Dr. Wuest
frequently quoted what must have been his favorite sage
advice for preventing pride to grow due to too many
compliments over our accomplishments: “Send all the bouquets
upstairs.”
Joe Gibbs was head coach of the
Washington Redskins from 1981 to 1992. During that time,
the Redskins won three Super Bowls, played in three NFC
Championships, won four division titles and made six
play-off appearances. In their book, “THE GREATEST LESSON
I’VE EVER LEARNED,” by Bill and Vonette Bright, Gibbs tells
about learning that money, position and power are not
important compared to relationships. During one of those
winning football seasons he awoke thinking about how
important he was. Then his wife reminded him to pick up his
socks and bathrobe and started telling about a problem with
one of their children.
“Why is she bothering me with this?”
Joe thought. “After all, I’m an important guy on the verge
of winning the NFC championship.” So he stormed out of the
house, slammed the door and left in a huff, but on his way
to work this proud coach suddenly realized the price of his
pride.
Joe had developed a habit of praying in
his car on the way to work and as he talked to the Lord the
truth of what he had done grabbed him, prompting, in his
words, the following conclusions: “When I leave this earth,
I thought, it will not be the football games or the fact
that I am the head coach of the Washington Redskins that
will count. All of that will wind up in an ashtray some
day. But the influence I have on my wife and two children,
on those I’ve worked with or helped, and the investments
I’ve made in someone else’s life will last forever.”
Upon arriving at work, Joe called home
and apologized to his wife. Pride had tripped him up, but
humility lifted him up. “I’m sorry for the way I acted,” he
said, assuring her of his love for her and their children.
Wise Solomon said pride goes before
destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall (Proverbs
16:18), adding a man’s pride will bring him low.
Solomon was right.
Ask Joe.
How can we avoid pride’s pitfalls? By
remembering that every gift, talent and ability we have is
given to us by the Lord. Whatever we have achieved is the
result of His goodness and grace. If we have performed well
in any area of life it is because He has made it possible.
So when praise and recognition come our way because of what
others see as our accomplishments, it’s time to send all the
bouquets upstairs.
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