Why We Shame Success

People shame success when they do not have it themselves. I’ve seen it over and over, because it’s a common trend for human beings to project negativity on what they are uncomfortable with inside. Discontentment is displayed as disdain for someone else.

Consistent criticism of others often comes from someone who does not feel like they are winning themselves. Otherwise, they wouldn’t find a way to bring someone else down. Whether it’s on social media or conversational jargon, people do this all the time. I remember being at a bus stop once and overhearing a 10 minute conversation about how terrible Tesla cars are. Now, you might not be interested in buying electric cars or think the new Cybertruck looks cool, but the company is still a testament to innovation. No matter which way you put it, it’s still a success.

Here's the lesson: if you catch yourself throwing shade at a well-grown tree, look at your own root first. Look at yourself before you look to comment on others, and do all you can to win in your own life first. Define success for you, and chase after it as if you own the goals, dreams, and achievements that come with it. When you win yourself, you will only want to help others, not bring them down. And if that is not enough, be reminded of the words of Jesus, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.*”

We are all full of mistakes. It doesn’t mean we are not called to keep each other accountable – that would contradict scripture – but it does mean we can focus on ourselves first. When we take a few steps in the right direction, then we can look around. Until then, we should do our best with what is in front of us. We should shape our own path instead of shaming someone else’s, and we’ll probably end up with a happier, more meaningful, and more successful life.

*Reference:  Matthew 7:3-5