Promotion

Written by cycleguy on November 18th, 2012

During my message this past weekend, I played the Name Game with the folks.  In case you are not sure what that is, here is how it worked.  I had 5 names put up on the screen:

Jack Tinker and Partners

Doyle Dane Berbach

BBDO

Foote, Cone and Belding

J. Walter Thompson

I then asked if the people knew who they were?  While I expected no hands to be raised (and there weren’t), I then explained the game.  They were advertising agencies who came up with slogans for different companies.

THE PURPOSE OF AN AD AGENCY IS NOT TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THEMSELVES OR TO MAKE A NAME FOR THEMSELVES.

They exist to make a name for others.  Here are the slogans these companies are known for inventing (in order of above):

“Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is.” 

“We try harder.”

“M’m! M’m! Good! M’m! M’m! Good!

“When you care enough to send the very best.”

“Snap! Crackle! Pop!”

That oughta give you a better idea of the product these ad agencies were trying to sell.  (Answers will be at the end in case you wonder how you did).

We could learn a lot from these companies.  They exist not to draw attention to themselves.  If you remember the agency but not the product they were seeking to promote, they failed.   Big time.

If I leave a person’s presence and they remember me but not the Christ I seek to exalt, then I have failed.  Big time.   One of the hardest things not to do is promote ourselves.  Even though I am a lousy representative of His at times, I need to be about promoting Him.  The verse that comes to mind is when John the Baptizer is speaking: “He must become greater: I must become less.”  (John 3:30)

Answers (in case you don’t know)

Alka Seltzer

Avis

Campbells Soup

Hallmark

Rice Krispies

How are you doing at promoting Jesus?  Any thoughts about this post you care to share?

 

30 Comments so far ↓

  1. Steve Martin says:

    I try and remind people and preachers that if they preach, or hear a sermon, and the first thing that they think about is what they should, ought, or must be doing…then they have just heard a sermon that puts the hearer back at the center.

    We ought walk away thanking God for all that He has done, is doing, and will yet do.

    One of my goals in promoting Christ…alone.

  2. Zee says:

    We’ve got BBDO here in Kyiv, so I’ve heard of them. Didn’t know the other companies. Knew AVIS’ slogan but I could never understand it…

    But I love your point.

    I hope people get to see Christ in me.

    • cycleguy says:

      Interesting about BBDO. I think Avis’ slogan was either based on Hertz being #1 or they would not settle for partial satisfaction. 🙂 My outward look: they do.

  3. What I hope is that no one remembers Deuceology for Deuceology’s sake but because it was place they would hear about Christ.

  4. Daniel says:

    I don’t think that I have ever warmed to a preacher who was all about pumping himself up. As soon as I sense even the smallest kernel of an ego, they start to lose me.

    • cycleguy says:

      i sense you sit under a good one right now Daniel. From all I have see, Rob’s head is on straight. you will be blessed to know and learn from him.

  5. floyd says:

    How true. We all like a pat on the back and to have our ego’s stroked once in a while, but that’s not honoring to us or to our Father. I think it’s a life long struggle in this soul cage and probably need a reminder for the entire time we’re here…

    I’m surprised you didn’t do the “How do you spell relief?” one!

  6. tcavey says:

    WOW! Very powerful reminder. Thank you! I needed this today and honestly everyday.

  7. I am reminded of this Scripture…

    One who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 1 Corinthians 3:8

    The pat on the back is coming…lets live for Him.

    BTW, I think Hallmark took that slogan from John 3:16 😉

  8. I was just reading this week about how our good works adorn the gospel. It hit me pretty hard – our works don’t replace the gospel. They merely just give our words credibility. Then all of our life, like you talk about here, can be seen as a continual project of adorning the gospel. And are we doing it well?

  9. Mike says:

    I love the analogy. Leaving people thinking about Christ instead of ourselves. I’m going to have to give that one a good think. I would sure like to do that, but need to figure out how to go about it.

  10. Great reminder, Bill! We live in a culture that seems to use everything as a means to draw attention to one’s self. Being witty or inspirational on social media, writing, singing, preaching, or any number of things–if our hearts are not set on and abiding in Him, we point people to ourselves just as much as the world does. Great point and post. Thank you.

    • cycleguy says:

      That is so true jason. How funny, witty, etc can I be to keep or draw attention? The temptation is always there for pastors that’s for sure. Thanks for coming by and sharing your heart.

  11. jeff says:

    I think a persons actions are their promotion of themselves. For better or worse. I think the theory is to “Let your light shine” so as to attract attention to your way of doing things right. If you are not attracting attention to or promoting yourself you will have little chance to influence anyone.

    • cycleguy says:

      I totally agree with you jeff with the caveat that doing so should not be our sole motivation for doing something. The ad agencies were recognized by jobs that came their way, but their primary motive was to promote the product. I submit that as a Christ-follower (which I am) I need to be looking beyond myself and to promoting Jesus. But as you say, there needs to be some attraction to the messenger. Am I missing your point?

  12. Debbie says:

    Thanks once again for such a thought provoking post. I really learn from you and from the reader’s comments too! You’ve helped shine a light on when we feel unnoticed . ..perhaps in a way, that isn’t so bad, as long as we are serving Him and doing what He’s asked us to do. ‘We’ might not always be seen. It reminds me about being transparent too.
    Thank you and God bless you too!

    • cycleguy says:

      You pay me a high compliment that I don’t often feel worthy of Deb. Thanks. As for being unnoticed…I like the underdog. i totally appreciate people who do their thing and not expect recognition for it. Thanks for coming by. Praying for God’s best for you and your family.

  13. David Rupert says:

    I am less about slogans these days. The well worn path of rhetoric just doesnt work so well. But what has impact, is my action.

  14. Jan says:

    Love this post Bill. You always make me think, examine & appreciate. I pray everyday that I represent God in a way that will not only touch someone’s life, but hope that He will whisper to me, “well done good & faithful servant.” Actions speak louder than words sometimes. 🙂