The Uncommon Life Daily Challenge from Tony DungySample

Core--Out of the Spotlight

Muhammad Ali's signature line was "I am the greatest." The more he said it, the more people watched him--even if they were only watching to see him get beaten. He had supreme confidence in his ability, and he knew his attitude sold tickets. And because he fought in an era when not many black men had been able to stand up and be bold, he became an icon in the African American community.

Today this "look at me" attitude isn't uncommon at all. Maybe it's an ego trip for some players, but for most it's driven by a need to survive in a world where so many others stand ready to take their places. The more SportsCenter moments they have, the more viewers they will draw and the more valuable they will be to their team--and the more they will be paid. At least that's what they think. They feel they need to blow their own horns because no one else will. And it seems to work.

Yet Scripture tells us not to praise ourselves but to let others speak about us. Whatever field we work in, our job is to do the best we can and let our attitude, work ethic, gifts, and skills speak volumes. When we do that, others will eventually notice, and that will mean much more to us and to them than if we had to make them notice with our mouths. A "look at me" attitude may get attention in the short run, but it doesn't pay off long-term. God honors humility, not pride.