It seems that one of the main desires of many young people today is to be famous. It is probably easier to do these days with opportunities abounding in music and media circles. It's possible to become 'famous' almost overnight by posting yourself on Youtube doing something that attracts attention even if, or especially if, it's downright stupid or dangerous.
I find that I have mixed feelings when someone comes onto the world stage and steps into fame. The ones I'm thinking of at this moment are singing sensations like Susan Boyle or our own Australian winner of The Voice, Karise Eden. I am thrilled for their success and frightened for their future. Why frightened? Because I know there will be pressures that will now surround them in a world that has changed almost overnight. It's like they no longer have control over their lives and destiny, it is in the hands of another, and who knows what is the purpose of their new master.
Why do people want fame? I can think of a number of reasons; power, prosperity, prestige would be a few. I believe that the two singers I have mentioned probably wanted none of these things, but I prefer to think that they wanted to prove to themselves and to others the value of the gift that had been given them. Their fame was the result of courage and a lot of hard work, plus taking the risk of failing. I'm glad they did well.
After the great flood recorded in Genesis, the descendants of Noah and his family combined forces to make a name for themselves. They wanted fame. Because they were united in their cause and all spoke one language God looked down from heaven and saw that anything was possible for them to achieve. For his own reasons and purpose he chose to confuse their language and scatter them far and wide.
Abraham, on the other hand, was minding his own business, worshipping God in a pagan nation when God chose him for fame (Genesis 12). The price was to leave his homeland and all his relatives and travel to a land that God would show him. He had no idea of his destination, he had to go out in faith. God's purpose in this was to make him a blessing to all the families of the earth. Through the line of Abraham, who had no family then, or for many years to come, was to come the Saviour, Jesus Christ. It was much later the promise of a son came, but then another 25 years to fulfilment of that promise. The name of Abraham is famous to this day, for his fatherhood and his faithfulness.
The people building the tower of Babel wanted to created their own fame and were foiled by God. It is far safer to commit our future to God and allow him to do with us what He has purposed for our life. Our purpose should be to live for "the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:11-12). To desire to bring Him fame will keep us grounded. He is a Master whose love for us is beyond understanding and His desire is always to do us good. To serve the One before whom, one day, every knee shall bow, (Philippians 2:10) will be to glory in His fame, and that will be more than enough.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, help me to desire your approval above all else and to stay grounded in seeking always your purpose for my life. Amen
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