On Self Promotion

In response to this issue of self-promotion, here’s how I imagine a classified ad written by Jesus, announcing the search for His disciples, would read today:

“Are you a pawn shop owner, telemarketer, or garbage collector? Do you enjoy harassing people? Do others consider you to be vile? If you answered yes to all of these questions, I may have a job for you. No resume required and no experience is necessary. No phone calls please. At the appointed time, I will move Heaven and Earth to call you.”

All in all, I do not think there is much of a correlation between self-promotion and a Christian’s morality, so I am not overly concerned with the practice. On the other hand, I do admit I get tired of the multiple tweets, blog post announcements, and status updates by the same leaders in one day. Lately I have considered this to be vain and even needy and (since the question has been presented) has absolutely nothing to do with advancing the Gospel. Should I really care or be interested in what Bill Johnson eats for dinner or where he hangs on Saturdays? I realize he’s probably only saying, “Hey, I’m just like you,” but really…I get it. I don’t think he or anyone else has to remind me twenty times a day.

Everyone self-promotes so I’m not condemning the practice. I’m just saying the best and most satisfying promotion usually comes from God without any real effort on our part to earn it. That said, Facebook and the like are here to stay so we might as well make the best use of them for and to the glory of God. It’s possible, I think.