Everybody wants to make it.
Everybody wants to be known. Everybody wants their life’s work to matter.
I’m sure you didn’t wake up today saying, “I hope nobody ever hears about the work I do. I pray that the projects I invest my life in make zero difference and I fade into oblivion. That’s the good life!”
Sure, we criticize those in fame’s spotlight, but if you were handed millions of adoring fans you wouldn’t complain. The problem with fame isn’t fame itself but what we choose focus on. It’s a much better servant than it is a master.
We need to stop focusing on fame and seek faithfulness instead. We should seek to be faithful to something greater than our own fame.
Faithfulness and Fame
I know that sounds like a bit of a letdown. Some people get famous. I get to be faithful. Big yay.
Here’s the catch: The way you carry yourself when you’re unknown, small, & hidden will prepare you for more.
Because fame isn’t a bad thing, right?
You don’t have to be Taylor Swift to be famous.
You can be famous to one person because you love and care for them. You can be famous for helping people. Honest fame is the result of doing something good in the world. And if you’re reading this blog I know you’re up to some good things. So fame will be in your future in some capacity.
I think of the “fame” of Brian Houston. Brian has built an incredible church and movement called Hillsong that has strengthened the faith of people all over the world. He’s also set many incredible people into motion who are doing the same thing. Fame in the greatest sense of the word.
I think of the “fame” of Rick Warren – a generous, humble soul who has influenced so many pastors and followers of Jesus.
If you seek to make a difference and do great things, you will have fame. The issue is in how you handle it.
The Blessing of Smallness
Fame can be destructive. It can unravel your life if you don’t know who you are. It will cause you to fall if you haven’t learned how to carry it. It can magnify your insecurities if your life doesn’t find its meaning at the cross.
And that is the blessing of being unknown. When you’re unknown, you have the opportunity to learn who you are. You root your identity in the love of God and find your true place. And that’s something you never “graduate” from, no matter how famous you get.
Fame may be a result of what you do in the world but it can never be your focus. When it becomes your focus everything is lost.
How to Be Famous
If you have a problem with fame, think of it like this: If your son or daughter approached you and said they wanted to write a book, what would you say? Would you respond with, “No, this has the potential make you famous. It could help too many people.”
No, of course not. You would bend over backwards to make this happen. You would speak like and encouragement to see your child’s potential rise up.
Jesus was famous but he never sought it. It was the result of the work he did to love people, heal the one, and spread a message. He spoke to the multitudes but always came back to the twelve.
You might be wondering why I’m talking about this. Well, in our circles as musicians, worship leaders, creatives, and pastors, we all want to have influence. No musician would turn down an offer to be on the Outcry tour with Passion, Hillsong United, Jesus Culture, and Kari Jobe.
But rather than focusing on shortcutting yourself to fame or obsessing over yourself, focus on being faithful where you are. Focus on making disciples and changing lives. Focus on creating things that help people. And don’t despise small beginnings and being unknown.
Because no matter how known you are on this earth, you will be known in Heaven for serving something greater than yourself.
Let’s talk it out.
How do you handle this tension in your ministry? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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