On any given evening networking anywhere, the quantity of hot air being exchanged is overwhelming. Bluff, bravado, and exaggeration are the norm. Intentionally inflating with the intent of putting another down is to be expected. Experience reminds me that there are no limits to how far some will go to make themselves feel good. There is no requirement to link the story with truth. Little or no consideration is given to the impact the fabrication could have on others. Each story serves in seeding the next.
It is hard to know what one can or should do when one is in the middle of the mix.
Discerning what is true and untrue is not always obvious or easy. With hindsight, across time there is always one that can see clearly through a rear view mirror; “with their empty brags, ‘We’re grabbing it all, grabbing God’s gardens for ourselves.’” (Psalm 83.12)
There is no rulebook that applies to every situation. In the back of my mind I hear reminders of “seasons and discerning the right time and place”, “do not worry about seeds planted on soil that will never grow”, and “mind your knitting, let others take care of judgment, focus on your calling.”
There are a few things that I know. It is extremely tempting to join the mix! It nothing else, it is fun. On occasion, it can feel like adding one’s story to the mix helps level the playing field. As good as it might feel, I have never seen anything good come from participating! Life remind me to stop and stay on the sidelines, no matter how tempting participation might be.
One should always make sure one’s house is clean before calling out another. Said another way, staying out of the mix helps one avoid the embarrassment of being called out by others.
Anything that is not central to our calling and mission distracts from the mission at hand. Staying focused on one’s priorities is a challenge. Hot air in any form is a distraction, especially when it is coming from within.
