“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” -Romans 12:3
Remember high school? Yeah, some would rather forget. Others still cling to those glory days.
Remember the people who were super cool in high school? What did you notice about them at the 10 or 20-year reunions? Probably not so cool any more, huh?
High school’s almost-cool kids are doing better. They had to work harder and hustle more to hang with the in-crowd. Those acquired study and social skills are paying dividends in the workplace. Still, even those kids are working for the nerds—flipping the high school social ladder upside down.
Let me say it more clearly. In 2018, in the real of world culture and contribution, “nerds” are the kings and queens. Nerds started businesses in college. Nerds developed the apps that went viral. Nerds defined the algorithms that shape your digital social life.
Contrary to our life experience through college, nerds are the new cool.
Here’s the same concept, broader example… I was at a big event with a friend. He was “important” at the event—playing the role of interviewer at the side-stage. He met with all the event’s main-stage speakers. He looked cool, sounded cool, and hung out with people that also seemed cool… at that event.
Months later, I was at an entirely different event with this same guy. At this event, my friend was unknown. His clothes that seemed cool on the side-stage now made it look like he was trying too hard. Conversations were forced all night, and my friend confessed to not feeling very “cool” at all.
Cool is temporary and all about context. If cool is your goal, you’re going to spend your life chasing the wind.
The Apostle Paul wrote to high-achievers and culturally relevant Jesus-followers in the city of Rome. Here’s an accurate paraphrase of verse three (above):
“God got my attention when I was full of myself, humbled me, and changed my life for moments like this—so hear me out: Don’t chase ‘cool!’ Don’t try and impress. It’s a fool’s game. Play the unique role God has give you to play. We all have a part in the story. You’re not better than anyone else, and no one else is better than you. Use what God gives you and be where God puts you.”
Cool is a myth. Be you… do good.