Confidence or Cockiness?

I read this article the other day about HP’s mobile devices.

After I clicked off of it, I couldn’t help but think of the confidence that HP has in what they make… in who they are.

Here’s a quote the article has from one of HP’s head dudes…

In the PC world, with fewer ways of differentiating HP’s products from our competitors, we became number one. In the tablet world we’re going to become better than number one. We call it number one plus.

I have to admit…
I have my doubts.

But I do like the enthusiasm and belief that they have in themselves.

It’s a fine line between having confidence in ourselves in Christ and having cockiness in ourselves.

Confidence says,

“I can do this.”
“The One that is in me is stronger than the one that is in the world.”
“I will do well.”
“I can do all things through Christ.”
“I WILL do this because I’ve been called.”
“I recognize my giftedness.”

Cockiness says,

“I’m gonna do it my way.”
“I’m doing this for me.”
“Look at what I did.”
“I’m better than them.”

It’s a fine line, but confidence is a must have for any leader,
for anyone.

Be confident in yourself.

The One that created you created you with a passion and for a mission.
Be confident in that.

What do you think the difference is between confidence and cockiness?


Comments

13 responses to “Confidence or Cockiness?”

  1. you nailed it! Great job Jonathan.

    1. Thanks chris.

  2. I think you hit it, JP. It’s about knowing that where the victory/ability comes from.

  3. For me I think its the difference between what role I currently view myself playing in God story.

    Am I leading the way I am because I think I’m the star or main character in Gods story?

    Or..

    am I leading the way I am because I’m blown away that I get to play a small part in Gods grand story?

    I used to hate the idea of feeling so small in Gods HUGE story [because i felt insignificant] but I’m now learning that there is nothing like playing that ‘small’ part that God crafted just for you. The part you’re good at. The part you’re called to. The part that you enjoy so much. The part Jesus gifted you to play.

    Our individual parts are small in the grand scheme of things but what an honor to get to bat. I LOVE my part in Gods story.

    Thanks for this buddy. Great reminder to not shrink back. I constantly struggle with this tension.

    1. Very well said, Sammy! Thanks for the input.

  4. Solid stuff. I think the difference is the person’s heart.

  5. Great stuff brother!

  6. Great points, JP. I think we too often confuse confidence and cockiness in ourselves and in others. I know for a long time I was hesitant to dream big because I thought I was being cocky – dreaming these huge dreams just to make myself look important. But, like Michael said, it’s all a matter of the heart. When your heart is to lift up Christ, you are being confident, not cocky.

    1. Some really good points!

  7. trust, where your trust is find. In yourself and only yourself or in the one who has created you and made you yourself

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