Navigating today’s highly-connected world can pose a challenge for those striving to lead a quiet, humble life. We’re often called to self-promote in professional settings, especially in careers like real estate, communications, or public office, where building a positive personal brand is vital. As Christians, how do we reconcile this with our values of humility and self-effacement?
I’d like to share three key shifts in perspective that may guide us through this conundrum, offering a balanced approach to self-promotion while remaining anchored in our Christian faith.
Divert the Spotlight: Promote Value, Not Self
Consider focusing on the value you bring to your customers rather than marketing yourself as the main product. As a real estate agent, for instance, your ultimate goal is to facilitate homeownership for your clients. This shift from self-promotion to value promotion aligns with Philippians 2:4, which encourages us to prioritize the interests of others.
Take a page from the book of notable Christian leaders like Apostle Paul, Charles Spurgeon, R.C Sproul, and Billy Graham. Their fame stemmed not from self-glorification but from their tireless commitment to the gospel message. As Christians, our noise should echo their dedication, ensuring we represent Christ well in our chosen vocations.
Building Bridges: Promote Connection Over Promotion
Humility, a core Christian principle, can be fostered by shifting our focus from self-promotion to forging genuine connections. Instead of trumpeting our successes, let’s engage our clients in a meaningful way, learning about their needs and how best to serve them.
From a practical standpoint, this approach is also good for business. Establishing a solid rapport with potential clients can enable you to address their needs more effectively, making you a better professional while representing Christ commendably.
Commit to Stewardship and Diligence
The ‘quiet life’ referenced in 1 Thessalonians likely encourages us to go about our work diligently, maintaining peace with others, rather than advocating for complete silence or invisibility. This ethos underpins a committed work ethic, valuing even the most humble aspects of our daily lives.
Paul’s message to the Thessalonians serves as a powerful reminder for us all: Jesus will return. As we await His return, let’s embrace our daily tasks with faithfulness and love for others, whether that involves selling houses, leading meetings, or cleaning bathrooms. Our diligent efforts become acts of obedience and faithful stewardship.
In conclusion, remember that as Christians, we’re channels for both our work and the gospel message. As we navigate our careers, let us surrender our interactions to God’s work and aim to echo John the Baptist’s ambition: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Despite the inevitable need for self-promotion, we can strive to ensure our spotlight illuminates Christ’s work within us.
