Most speakers illustrate their points with stories. It helps the audience to use their senses, emotions, experiences, etc. in connecting at a deeper level with the concept being taught. I noticed a couple of speakers recently who told a story that nearly filled up the entire time they talked and only paid lip service to the points they were trying to make. These people had concepts in order to tell stories (of which they were the center!). On the surface, the speakers seemed very transparent and down-to-earth. It was refreshing to hear their struggles.
But something bothered me and then it hit me. I wonder if these speakers could talk for an hour on points and never tell a story about themselves. Since I’ve heard these speakers before several times, I suspect they could not.
So, here’s my question. Does becoming famous make you ego-centric? Or, does ego-centrism plus charisma lead to fame?
Here’s why I think this practice is dangerous amongst Christians. Instead of the story pointing to Jesus; It has Jesus pointing to the person.
Musings on Faith and Psychology 
I’ll go out on a limb and say that “fame” has little to do with it. The trend to ‘be authentic” lends itself to an unbalanced introspection at times. It’s tricky because being honest about our struggles is important — but to what end? Is the work Christ is doing overflowing from our hearts or are we simply looking for empathy from people?
This is something I struggle with.
The pursuit of sharing to gain empathy is empty.
Wearing a mask of “it’s all good” isn’t the answer either.
I think fame is the catalyst. If your authenticity is attractive and over time you have many people singing your praise, wouldn’t that lead to the temptation to really listen to yourself. Fewer people will be willing to challenge your thoughts or point our your flaws. The purpose of authenticity may then change from helping others to pointing to self. Just a thought.
You make a good point.
I don’t think either is the culprit. I would venture to say the core problem is losing the biblical perspective of what we are like as human beings (fallen, desperately wicked) and Who God is. These were the railings of OT prophets against the scriptural teachers of thier day. I think it was Is. who lamented – ‘their wounds are healed superficially. They cry Peace Peace but there is no peace.’ The peace he refers to is peace with God.
Proverbs says the same thing – gotta have a fear of who and what God is as an essential starting point for wisdom and not falling victim to the pitfalls of fame. Anything is a trap for spiritual failure when lose these perspectives.
Self esteem is not the issue. The need for God esteem comes closer.