"Trash Talk" and Boasting - Who's #1?

by Ken Thomas

Monday's editorial in the Nashville Banner pointed out the growing problem of "trash talk" and exhibitions designed to taunt an athletic opponent. Vince Dooley recently called it the most serious problem in college football today, and the editorial noted that it discredits the athletes and their schools. Showing off and bragging seem to have become a way to intimidate an opponent and "pump up" supporters, but the effort is backfiring. (Isn't it hard to be humble when one is so good?!)

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 contrasts worldly standards with God's choices. He chose weak and foolish things to carry out His will to prevent man's boasting. Through Christ we have life, wisdom, righteousness, redemption, and sanctification. Therefore our boasting must be about God, not our own accomplishments.
Jeremiah urged wise men not to glory in their wisdom. Mighty ones were not to glory in their own power, nor rich people in their wealth. If men gloried it should be because they knew a God of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness ( Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Who is really "#1"? Academic and athletic rankings may have their place, but they have their dangers. We need to try to do our best in all areas, but we need to put God on the pedestal of praise for our blessings.
Benhadad, king of Syria, once boasted of an army so large that there was not enough dust in Samaria to give each soldier a handful. Ahab, king of Israel, retorted that a soldier putting on his armor should not boast (as if he had already won) as one who puts it off ( 1 Kings 20:10-11).

January 17, 1993

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"Trash Talk" and Boasting - Who's #1? by Ken Thomas Monday's editorial in the Nashville Banner pointed out the growing problem of "trash talk" and exhibitions designed to taunt an athletic opponent. Vince Dooley recently called it the most serious problem in college football today, and the editorial noted that it discredits the athletes and their schools. Showing off and bragging seem to have become a way to intimidate an opponent and "pump up" supporters, but the effort is backfiring. (Isn't it hard to be humble when one is so good?!) Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:26-30 contrasts worldly standards with God's choices. He chose weak and foolish things to carry out His will to prevent man's boasting. Through Christ we have life, wisdom, righteousness, redemption, and sanctification. Therefore our boasting must be about God, not our own accomplishments. Jeremiah urged wise men not to glory in their wisdom. Mighty ones were not to glory in their own power, nor rich people in their wealth. If men gloried it should be because they knew a God of steadfast love, justice, and righteousness ( Jeremiah 9:23-24). Who is really "#1"? Academic and athletic rankings may have their place, but they have their dangers. We need to try to do our best in all areas, but we need to put God on the pedestal of praise for our blessings. Benhadad, king of Syria, once boasted of an army so large that there was not enough dust in Samaria to give each soldier a handful. Ahab, king of Israel, retorted that a soldier putting on his armor should not boast (as if he had already won) as one who puts it off ( 1 Kings 20:10-11). January 17, 1993 Related Articles: Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM