Outdo one another in showing honor.
—Romans 12:10
The Bible plays down self-promotion. It accentuates serving and honoring others.
Here’s the apostle Paul’s advice:
“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought” (Rom 12:3).
“Outdo one another in showing honor” (Rom 12:10).
“Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4).
Paul practiced what he preached. He was big enough to stoop to small tasks. When he, along with 275 others, beached their boat at Malta after fourteen days of terror at sea, the islanders began building a bonfire to warm their seasick guests. Dog-tired, Paul joined the workers, gathering brushwood for the fire. If any of his other queasy shipmates pitched in, it isn’t mentioned.
Boast about others, never about self. “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth” (Prv 27:2).
Tooting your own horn
inevitably ends on a sour note.