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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Fame (05/10/12)
Among all the fascinating conversations I’ve had with children, one in particular stands out. When talking to my young niece, I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. Without hesitating, she looked at me and replied: “Famous.” Though my niece was the most straightforward of anyone I’ve talked to, the desire to be famous seems to have permeated the dreams of multitudes from this generation whether or not we admit to it.

The modern-day mantra of our media-saturated society has come to echo the lyrics of the popular Irene Cara song, “Fame”: “Remember my name: Fame! I’m gonna live forever—I’m gonna learn how to fly…” Our culture has come to believe that unless our name is known by the masses, our lives are insignificant. This mindset has even subtly seeped into Christian thinking, and into the world of the Christian artist and writer. We’ve come to equate celebrity status with God’s favor upon a person’s life and ministry, while those unknown but faithful servants are viewed as irrelevant in the kingdom.

Popular Christian broadcasts include guests who are recognized because they’ve published a number of books and produced several music CDs. Christian publishing houses are reluctant to accept a manuscript unless it is written by an author who is already well-known. Artists enter the Christian Music Industry with the desire to be on stage before thousands. Authors write with the goal of releasing a best-seller. Those who serve behind the scenes are left wondering if their lives really matter because they are not recognized or honored as someone who is truly making an impact.

The Biblical view of fame is so radically different from our modern definition. Many of the Bible characters who are now well-known endured suffering and scorn that would not measure up to current celebrity standards. They were taunted, ridiculed, chastised and persecuted. These were not Christian celebrities—they were Christian heroes. In present times, we tend to seek significance by pursuing our own glory. The Biblical mindset, however, is to lay down our lives so others can live.

Consider Boaz, who willingly endangered his own inheritance to honor the inheritance of another (Ruth 4:6). Those who witnessed his sacrifice said of him: “May he become famous throughout Israel!” (Ruth 4:14). Boaz did not know that in laying down his life, he was paving the way for the Savior to come through his own line. While not pursuing fame, Boaz has become famous for his sacrificial act. As we use our gifts, we need to forsake the pursuit of our own glory that others may be blessed.

Our goal as Christian artists and writers should be to make God’s name famous in all the world, to bring others to know him deeply and truly, and to inspire others to fulfill their God-given calling in life. Whether or not we become well-known through the use of our gifts should be inconsequential to us. We simply need to be faithful and obedient to what God has called us to do, without being blinded by the desire to see our name in lights.

It is interesting to note that many of the hymns that are now so popular in the church were not well-known until years after the death of the author. “Be Thou My Vision” is a hymn that has touched countless lives, yet its author remains unknown and its words were not sung until centuries after they were written. The author set out to pour his heart out to God in the form of a prayer, not to write an award-winning, world-famous hymn. While God has used the works of many modern day artists and writers to impact this generation, there are many such works that are mere shooting stars—fading in glory as tastes and trends change. The works that endure are those written with a humble, sacrificial heart untainted by the lust for personal glory.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 921 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Vicki J. Cypcar
05/17/12
Love your article - reminds me that although we may not reap monetary rewards with writing - we are living in the sweet spot God designed us for.

-Vicki
Patsy Hallum 
05/18/12
Great, This will preach!You said words many of us need to hear and did it quite well!
Keep writing!
Janice Quimby
05/18/12
I was impressed with how well written this entry is. It is obvious that you gave it a lot of thought. I would guess that you probably did some research for information to pass on.

I didn't find one grammatical error. I'm not an expert on grammar but I seldom read an entry carefully that I don't see something.

Keep up the good writing for the glory of God.
C D Swanson 
05/18/12
An all together powerful and well written entry. I enjoyed the depth of knowledge put into the article, and the message it conveyed.

I liked how all important facts were categorically listed, leading up the the one most important of all.

This is my fav line:

"Our goal as Christian artists and writers should be to make God’s name famous in all the world..."

Amen to that. Loved this gem of a story. Great job.

God Bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/19/12
This is a great essay. I liked how you tackled the topic and made it relevant to al of us. I think there is probably a small voice in everyone who wants to scream I'm going to live forever! The thing is, if Jesus is in our hearts, we will live forever in glory with him. Far better than a fancy car, isn't it?
Cynthia Dawson
05/22/12
Beautiful article! Your points are well made and backed up by scripture, that is quite important. You points on what this generation thinks of being famous are good and hit home as we deal with that with our 11 year old. If Chrisstian writers are writing only for fame then your article is sure to make this reflect on what is important. I can find nothing negative to say about this, very well done.
Genia Gilbert
05/22/12
I agree heartily with every word you've written. Not only that, but it is well done. Thanks for these thoughts! All of us need them to be replayed in our minds every day.
C D Swanson 
05/24/12
Congratulations! Nicely done. God Bless~