I was recently talking with a young man whose aspiration at this point in his life is to become famous. His reason stated is so he can reach more people with the Gospel but, while that may be true, I feel like it is as hard for a famous person to enter the Kingdom of God as it is for a rich person (Matthew 19:24). It’s not impossible, but it’s the rare person who achieves fame and maintains a strong walk with God.

Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.  ~Revelation 2:10

Nowhere in Scripture does God call us to be famous, but He does call us to be faithful. While many look with awe at those who seem like they have “arrived,” I would much rather spend time with a saint who has walked with God a long time, been faithful to their spouse, honoring of their parents and grandparents throughout their lives, and been a light wherever God has placed them. As the old song says, “You can take this world, its wealth and riches. I don’t need earth’s fame. It’s my desire to live for Him!”

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.  ~James 4:10

If you are humble, your eyes will not be on fame or fortune, but you will devote your life to seeking Christ and His Kingdom and letting Him exalt you as He sees fit (Matthew 6:33). It’s still a relatively new year which makes it the perfect time to examine your goals. Are you trying to make a name for yourself, or are you seeking Him for each step and then moving forward accordingly?

I’ve been reading about David in the Bible again. He was a shepherd boy who was faithfully tending his father’s sheep. I assume he thought he would be a shepherd his whole life, but because he was faithful in that thankless task, God elevated him to become king over His people. It was not an easy road, but as long as David sought God and obeyed Him, His kingdom prospered.

It’s human nature to want to be bigger and better than everyone else, but there is no room for that in Christ’s Kingdom. May our daily prayer be to be more like Christ who “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant” (Philippians 2:7).