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In contrast with the Judaizers (Gal 6:12), Paul feared his own pride more than he feared persecution:
“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14, ESV)
“But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14, ESV)
Paul uses the strongest language in his arsenal (μὴ γένοιτο) to condemned the thought of being proud in ministry.
Paul's heart not only contrasts with the self-promoting false teachers (v. 13), it is a condemnation of a common view of ministry infecting the evangelical church.
Paul's heart not only contrasts with the self-promoting false teachers (v. 13), it is a condemnation of a common view of ministry infecting the evangelical church.
Self-promotion, platform building, and marketability have become leadership qualities.
As we are tweeting about the sovereignty of God, we are simultaneously promoting our pages, offering give aways for more followers, and keeping tabs on the number of our followers.
As we are tweeting about the sovereignty of God, we are simultaneously promoting our pages, offering give aways for more followers, and keeping tabs on the number of our followers.
Shepherds are constantly online leading the chorus of conservatives to reject the cancel culture that threatens the platforms we use to promote our online ministries and sell our new books. Meanwhile the main thing keeping us from speaking to our sheep is our lack of time.
We have baptized self-promotion with spiritual platitudes and subtly soften the sentiment of the apostle Paul, who would have said, "self-promotion, μὴ γένοιτο!"
It's easy to see how it happens. The flesh loves the exploits of this world--influence, accolades, money, etc.
It's easy to see how it happens. The flesh loves the exploits of this world--influence, accolades, money, etc.
Paul was only able to say μὴ γένοιτο (may it never be, absolutely not) to self-promotion because (in his words) "the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."
May this generation learn to mortify self-promotion as we die to this world through the cross of Christ.
May this generation learn to mortify self-promotion as we die to this world through the cross of Christ.
