The Pursuit of Fame

Judson Laipply.  Have you ever heard of the name?  He is a comedian who performed a hilarious (and clean) 10-minute skit called The Evolution of Dance.  It was posted on YouTube and became an instant hit.  It is currently the most viewed Internet video of all time, having over 215 million hits.

 

YouTube’s official slogan is “Broadcast Yourself”.  Laipply did just that and he became famous.  According to a Family Circle magazine survey, nearly one-third of our teenagers think they will be famous someday and YouTube, American Idol and many other forms of instant-fame media have provided the vehicle for millions of fame-hungry folks to get there.

However, what happens when you get there?  Then what?  When I look at the news about famous musicians, actors or athletes who have achieved fame I see how their family, health, finances and overall lifestyle is a mess.  It makes me question the blessing of being famous.

What is really behind the desire to be famous anyway?  It is acceptance.  Some people think, “If they see who I really am and what I can do, they will like me.”  The first part of that quote is the problem, “If people”.  Some people and their feelings for us change.  Today they love us, tomorrow they hate us. 

We might consider something else.  Instead of seeking to be known and loved by people, how about seeking to be known and loved by God?  Actually, the undisputed, most-famous person in the universe is God’s own Son, Jesus Christ.  He knows your name and is interested in beginning a life-long relationship with you.  Things operate a little different in God’s world though.  Jesus once said, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). 

Your acceptance by people will be short-lived, but acceptance by God will be eternally-lived.  How do you get it?  Turn from seeking the fame of your name and seek the fame of HIS name.  Humbly and deliberately, place your complete trust in Jesus Christ alone.  Then, you will find your hope for today.

America's Greatest Enemy

President Abraham Lincoln once said, "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power" (brainyquote.com).  An ancient biblical proverb says, "Two things I ask of you (God) . . . give me neither poverty or riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God" (Proverbs 30:7-9).

The idea conveyed is having little or much can affect the character of a person . . . and a nation.   The United States has seen both.  In her early years she had little, while in modern times she has had much.  Today, the U.S. is the leader in innovation, has the greatest university system, the world’s most powerful military, the largest economy and provides unequaled human freedoms.    

Since the late 1800’s, which began the industrial age, America has seen incredible growth and I believe this success has changed America’s character.  Her pride has grown into arrogance.  Her increased knowledge has questioned the need for God.  Her advancements in technology have made her like a god and her hi-tech weapons have replaced God’s protection.     

The principle of abundance leading to a denial of God is a predictable pattern.  When riches, power and success mount there is a quiet shifting of the heart and soul of a nation that when left unchecked leads to its downfall.   

What is America’s greatest enemy?  Ourselves.  The lure of money and power is becoming our Great Destroyer.  Its deceptive appeal has caused us to think too highly of ourselves.  It has created a false sense of security bringing us to believe we are a nation that is indestructible and indispensable to the world.  We have been willingly seduced by prosperity giving birth to the illicit children of ease, complacency and immorality.      

What shall we do?  Let us examine our ways and not walk the paths of other nations.  Let us learn from the downfall of Ancient Empires like Rome, Egypt, Greece and the once vast British Empire.  America’s future is up to its own citizens.  Will we trust in ourselves or Almighty God?  The answer determines our national destiny.  Let us turn to Christ and may He be the hope of our nation.   

Men at Work

Men, have you ever been told any form of this statement? “You work too much!” Conversely, have you ever been told? “I appreciate your hard work!”

I want to give a cheer to all the men who put in long hours on the job, whose employment puts them on the road away from their families and those who manage multiple jobs. You work hard. Sacrifice. In the end, you have provided for your family and have given a great example of a strong work ethic.

Our Creator gave Adam, the first man created, and every man three purposes. 1- He is to provide for his household. 2 – He is to be the leader of his home. 3 – He is to protect those under his care. These are hard-wired into his DNA. When a man fulfills these purposes it creates a feeling of satisfaction. When a man distorts or flatly shirks his duties it creates the feeling of a meaningless existence.

However, can a man work hard and still miss the mark? Yes! We were created to work, but within God-ordained boundaries of The Great Commandment. These boundaries teach men to love God and others. A man gets it right when through his work he honor’s God and serves others, no matter if he is a CEO or plumber. A man gets it wrong when he works and lives with a selfish ideology. Provision for the family becomes the pursuit of money, success or things. Leadership in the family is shifted to the spouse. Protective instincts become reversed, filtering situations through the grid of, “How will this impact me?”

When men put God and others (family) first, the balance between work and home will be reached. Jesus is the perfect example. He was a driven person who was the hardest working man to ever walk the planet. He once said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work” (John 4:34). Yet, as you read about His life, you can see His work was not about Himself, it was about others. No one ever told Jesus to slow down and cut back His hours. Why? Because He got it right. He worked to honor His Father (God) and to serve others. Consequently, everyone cheered Him on. To every man, blessings on you! May Jesus be your example and your hope for today.