Digital media with so many user-friendly apps provide an opportunity to create images to impress people. Some Christian leaders wish to be considered or portrayed as Super Apostles or Global Evangelists, Powerful prophets who use such technology. In fact, they compete with cinema stars, stuntmen, and politicians. The pictures for advertisements in print, mass media, and social media are creative-imaginative artwork. With such technological tools, they wish to gain an advantage in financial terms as well as corner ministry opportunities.
Impress people: Paul had great spiritual experiences about which he could boast. However, Paul did not. Paul was humble and gave reason for his calm and quiet attitude. He did not want to create a ‘larger than life’ image. However, Paul refrained from doing so because he did not want other people to think greater than what he was. “I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.” (II Corinthians 12:6)
Attract people: Another reason is to attract people towards themselves. Instead of pointing them towards Lord Jesus Christ like John the Baptist, they focus on themselves. At best, like John the Baptist a servant of God could be termed as ‘friend of the bridegroom’. (John 3:29) Nothing more than that. The Lord should increase and we should decrease as John the Baptist desired. (John 3:30)
Take advantage: Another reason is to mobilize resources. Presenting their ministry as superior and strategic they collect huge resources from the body of Christ. This affects many effective and local ministries. They recruit people to become their volunteers or representatives to raise funds for their ministry.
Clouds without rain: “Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.” (Proverbs 25:14) In fact, the boasting and promises do not match with the results they produce. Since they operate in the carnal sphere, not in the spiritual sphere; in worldly wisdom, and not in divine wisdom, the fruit of their ministry is meager and immature.
Do I exaggerate myself to impress others to take spiritual advantage?