Self-forgetfulness Vs. Self-promotion

Self-forgetfulness Vs. Self-promotion

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. –John 3:30

I’m a publicist by profession. Publishing companies hire me to get coverage in the media for their books and authors. And I love it . . . usually. Actually, I’ve learned that the authors I love to publicize the most are those who want it the least. Some authors have seen it as my job to make them a star, to make sure they get noticed, and when the media or the public doesn’t respond, they are sure something has gone wrong somewhere. I’ve always been drawn to people who shun the spotlight, or better said, the ones who simply want to use the platform God has given them to shine the spotlight on Jesus.

These are people who impress me not with their ability or promotability but with their humility. And I know this desire doesn’t flow out of insecurity but out of sincerity. They desire for God to be glorified and shudder at the thought of stealing God’s glory for themselves. But that doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes struggle or that such self-deprecation comes easily or naturally. Self-promotion comes naturally to most of us, and my humble clients are no different. But they’ve decided they want their lives to reflect the desires of John the Baptist, who said about Jesus, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”

That’s what it is all about, isn’t it? Shouldn’t this be the joy and passion of our lives? For Jesus to become bigger in our estimation and in the eyes of the world? For Jesus to shine brighter than any other star in the universe, including our own? For Jesus to take the throne he deserves in the heavens and in our hearts? It’s what we want and yet there’s a rub. For Jesus to become greater, we must become less. Our agenda must become less important so his agenda can chart our course. Our earthly appetites must be subdued so our appetite for him can be unleashed. Our afflictions must leave center stage so that his love for the world can be made visible in us and through us.

First Peter 5:6 in The Message reads, “So be content with who you are, and don’t put on airs. God’s strong hand is on you; he’ll promote you at the right time.” Aren’t you ready to stop promoting yourself so you can enjoy the freedom of forgetting about yourself? Won’t you let his star shine bright?

Beautiful Jesus, you are the brightest star in the heavens, and I worship you. As you become greater in my life, I’m finding joy and freedom in forgetting about myself. You must become even greater, and I, less and less.

DIGGING DEEPER