What does everybody want? Everybody wants a little more. A bit more money, to be a bit more perfect, to have a bit more approval, to be a bit more comfortable and to be famous.
Many people say they would never want to be famous. But all of us have micro cravings for fame. We want to be known broadly and loved by everyone. It’s the desire of every person to be accepted and admired. Our desire to be famous can show itself in our lives in some unfortunate ways. We overcommit and hurt ourselves and our families—not out of a work ethic, but because we want to be known. We may do things partially and want the credit for doing them completely. Sensitivity to criticism is a symptom of wanting to be identified and respected.
Our Present Culture
Our culture lives for likes and longs for love. A recent study uncovered the greatest lifetime desires of 10- to 12-year-olds. They do not long to be astronauts, or even to make a lot of money. These kids want to be known. Specifically, they want to be YouTube stars. Fifty percent of 22- to 37-year-olds think their lives should be made into a movie.
What would people do to be famous?
- One in 12 would disown their family.
- One in nine would give up marriage.
- One in six would give up having children.
There is nothing wrong with being famous.
David experienced fame when he did what God commanded and it lead to success. His son Solomon would be famous and the greatest king that ever ruled Israel. Jesus is most famous of all. Fame is not the problem. The danger lies in the desire for fame and what that drive can do to your faith in God.
John the Baptist
John the Baptist is a significant figure in the Bible—and one of my favorites. He lived far out of town, had long wild hair, ate bugs for food and preached a message of repentance to the people. He taught with authority, making the way for Jesus Christ. People came from surrounding communities to listen and be baptized by John and his fame began to grow. We can read the story of how John baptized Jesus in Matthew 3. John and Jesus continue baptizing the people, and a dispute begins between the followers of each. John quickly points out, he does not desire to compete with Jesus for acclaim.
Who Are You Representing?
To understand the danger of fame, look at modern-day celebrities. They struggle with self-esteem, alcoholism, drug addiction and out-and-out stupidity.
Pay attention to what you’re posting on social media. Is it a diary of what you wear, what you think and what you say? Who do you represent? If you’re like me you tend to represent yourself. And let’s face it, who else would you be representing? The scripture says we should be representing somebody else.
Ambassadors are the highest-ranking diplomats from a country. We are—for better or worse—God’s ambassadors on planet Earth. We are Christ’s representatives to a lost and dying world.
When we reach for fame we are longing for the approval of people. But the Bible tells us the only approval we need is God’s. Why does God want us to look to him for approval instead of to those around us? Why do we care so much?
As Christians we hold eternal life in our hands. It was God’s pleasure to involve us in reaching the world. Like John the Baptist we need to focus all the attention that we can on Jesus. Human praise should not move us. We should seek to receive the smile of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:6
David’s Heart Cry
David, proclaimed by God to be a man after his own heart, gives us a picture of what it looks like to pursue the glory of God instead of your own.
The Rock, Your Place to Belong
At the Rock, you can belong before you believe. Use the links to the right to begin your relationship with Rock Church. If you are local to Fargo, click the free movie ticket button to the right and check out one of our services, every Sunday at 10 AM, at West Acres Cinema. If you are not local to our area, that’s okay. There are all kinds of ways that you can participate in the happenings at Rock Church. We have many people that only interact with our church online. Use the “become a friend” button to be included in everything we are doing.
