From a twentieth-century book that will certainly remain a classic until Christ returns, the following quote seems remarkably relevant.

Before you read it may be helpful to know…

• This paragraph is taken from a book written in 1948.
• The emphasis added through the italics is mine.

To be specific, the self-sins are self-righteousness, self-pity, self-confidence, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love, and host of others like them. They dwell too deep within us and are too much a part of our natures to come to our attention till the light of God is focused upon them. The grosser manifestations of these sins – egotism, exhibitionism, self-promotion – are strangely tolerated in Christian leaders, even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy. They are so much in evidence as actually, for many people, to become identified with the gospel. I trust it is not a cynical observation to say that they appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the church visible. Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice.

A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God, 1993, 42-43.

I am not informed enough to comment on the levels of self-promotion among the church leaders in the 1940′s, but I find it hard to believe our generation has not surpassed them. The front window of any “Christian” bookstore illustrates the rising emphasis among Christian speakers, authors, and artists to employ marketing strategies to promote themselves by promoting their next tour or newest book or upcoming album.

Do you even notice the undercurrent of self-promotion?

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A. W. Tozer (1897-1963) was one of the great pastors and authors of the twentieth century. He who served several churches including more than 30 years at Southside Alliance Church in Chicago, Illinois and authored several books including, The Pursuit of God, which was first published in 1948.