Years ago, I was invited to lunch with some colleagues. I had already made plans with my 14-year-old son, so I initially declined and explained the situation. My colleagues immediately replied, “Invite him to join us too.”
My son was excited for the opportunity, so I took a moment to explain the following, “You’ve been invited to have a seat at the table. However, you need to be aware of your place at the table. You’ll be sitting with a Vice President, an Associate Vice President, and a Director. While you have a seat, this is a great time to listen and learn. It’s not a time for you to dominate the conversation. If someone asks you a question, by all means, answer it. While you can contribute, you must know your place.”
The Unaware and the Arrogant
I share this story because I’ve seen a lot of young men who are completely unaware of their place at the table. I’ve watched young men dominate conversations while sitting next to a world-renowned scholar. I’ve watched the “new guy” dominate a meeting, leaving little to no time for more experienced, knowledgeable participants to contribute. Not only were these guys remarkably unaware, but they were also arrogant. Whether they intended to or not, their actions communicated one clear message: “My opinion is the most important.”
More Than a Seat
An encouragement to young men: just because you are invited to have a seat at the table does not mean you are invited to dominate the conversation. James 1:19 encourages us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. When you are invited, take a seat. Listen. Learn. Show respect for those who have earned their position. Having a place at the table is a privilege, not a platform for your ego.
Male2Man 