People don’t like to be tricked. We can forgive many things, but we do not like to be fooled or hoaxed. Richard Heene of “balloon boy” fame proves this point emphatically.
In a world filled with tweets, blogs, and reality shows, so many of us are seeking 15 minutes of fame rather than recognizing the the same spiritual principles that work in the real world still hold true in the virtual world.
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – I Peter 5:5-6
Not only does God oppose the proud, so does the general public.
In a post called “Notice Me,” Seth Godin wrote:
“Attention is fine, as long as you have a goal that is reached in exchange for all this effort.
Far better than being noticed:
* Trusted
* Engaged with
* Purchased from
* Discussed
* Echoed
* Teaching us
* Leading”
Scot McKnight pointed out on twitter: “Why is our news fixated on the balloon boy and ignoring the judge who refuses to marry an interracial couple?”
A weather balloon reveals a perfect analogy of our efforts to get attention for all the wrong reasons. We may have a quick meteoric rise, but invariably we will come crashing down.
Ironically, just as quick as we are to knock proud people down, we are quick to forgive people who humble themselves.
