Thoughts on Fame

fame
noun
1.
the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed [ant: infamy]
2.
favorable public reputation [ant: infamy]



Fame is something that's always fascinated me. Because I never understood how being a Christian and being famous could mix. Yet people seemed to either want it for themselves, or latch onto it like a lifeline, perhaps to make themselves look important. It's not something that I ever admired. I guess because from a very young age my best friend, my first love, was Jesus, and who can possibly compare to Him?? No one else really impressed me, and rightly so. It was the Jesus IN people that I admired. I have an uncanny ability to see Him in people...the REAL Him, not something phony. I can spot phoniness from a mile away.
What impresses me in a true servant of Jesus, is their heart...which, if you look hard enough at someone, always shines through. Someone who doesn't seek to impress. Someone who personifies humbleness and meekness. And someone who always puts God first and gives Him all the glory. Someone who points people to God...who will bend over backwards not to draw people to themselves, but to God, for the answers they seek. The love they crave. And the relationship they desire.
Being a servant of Christ and of His people is pretty much the opposite of fame. Should anyone, as a Christian, seek fame? I don't think so. We should strive to make Jesus famous. I've watched fame, or brushes with fame, do some scary things to people. And then, there are a select few who take fame in stride. Who make it no big deal. Who are even embarrassed by the fame their success has drawn. Because they know it's not about THEM. It is about the One who blessed them with their gifts and the ability to succeed.
I urge anyone looking for notoriety and fame to think about that. To earnestly seek God with all your heart. And never, EVER think it's about you.
And as for the other side, think about how you view those who are famous. Do you expect perfection? Put them on a pedestal that belongs only to God? Perhaps fans are the problem. Maybe it's a vicious cycle. Something more to think about.
In Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus said, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.This is the first and greatest commandment."
Living our lives outside of this is what seems to cause trouble. So if we live our lives according to this, it puts it all in perspective. And what the world views as "famous" pales in comparison to the greatness that belongs to God alone.

It's weird how you can connect so closely with people...yet are never permitted beyond the outskirts of their lives. I mean, all that is really in God's hands, but when you feel so called towards something...called to pray for, support, embrace, and get inspired for someone else's vision...but never get to take part in it...it's a lonely thing. There's a part of me that hates standing in the shadows. Growing up, I always thought I'd be somewhere right up front, basking in the spotlight. But obviously that's not God's plan for me.

I've gotten a lot of confirmation from God that I'm on the right track lately...but no real direction on where to take it. More of like...here it is, little by little, step by step....take it slowly & you will see Me unfold the plan... It's quite exciting on one hand, but on the other, it requires a LOT of patience. (Sigh.) When things take years & years to come to fruition, perseverance and BOLD faith are very much required. So I need to cling tightly to my Father during these times. Let Him hold me. Let Him be all I need. And try not to do anything out of selfish ambition. Or desire attention for my obedience. Or rush things along. It's a hard calling that has GREAT rewards when they do come, but the fulfillments are few & far between. I have peace in knowing that I am holding up the arms of a great mouthpiece of the King when it becomes weak. And knowing that I am making a difference. But beyond that, it's just more of the ordinary every day normalcy. I get bored pretty easy. Contentment is not my strong suit. I tend to be restless. And the more I taste, the more restless I become.

God is doing great things. I have no clue what the future holds. But I am learning to rest in my part in destiny.

Matthew 6:6
But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.