I’m probably dating myself, but do you remember the TV show Fame from the mid-1980s and its theme song (same name), written by Michael Gore and Dean Pitchford, performed by Irene Cara? The lyrics speak of a personal desire for name recognition, stardom, glory, and to be remembered. A sampling reads,
I feel it comin’ together
People will see me and cry, fame
I’m gonna make it to heaven
Light up the sky like a flame, flame
I’m gonna live forever
Baby, remember my name
I have to admit
I loved this show and looked forward to watching it week after week. Set at The School of the Arts in New York City, Fame portrays students who want to dance, sing, make
and create music, and act, and who have a long way to go to achieve riches
and fame. The students are talented, ambitious, goal-oriented, and
hard-working, and the teachers seek to bring
out the best in their students, whatever it takes.
As I think
about it now from a Christian perspective, the message was “Got talent? Work
hard, develop your gifts and abilities, and you too have a shot at being the
centre of your particular universe and the object of the world’s adoration.”
The yearning for acclaim is a natural, human temptation for anyone who excels in a specific field of endeavour, but it’s not a godly desire for followers of
Christ.
God’s Word
says,
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? ~Mark 8:36
Also,
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father, but is from the world. ~1 John 2:15-16
Given the opportunity to have “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” in exchange for bowing down to Satan, Jesus said,
“Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” ~Matthew 4:8-10
There is only One worthy of renown, and it’s not us, the world, or the devil: it’s God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (yes, that is One!). We're going to live forever, regardless of whether or not anyone on earth remembers our names. Let's store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), not earth. Let’s use our gifts (which are from Him) to bring Him all the glory and fame to which He is due!
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For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit her blog: https://susan-barclay.blogspot.com/.
Amen to your post, dear Susan. Jesus told His disciples to rejoice not in what they had done in His Name, but that their names were written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
ReplyDeleteLove these comforting words of yours: "We're going to live forever, regardless of whether or not anyone on earth remembers our names."
Blessings.
Thank you for this wonderful message, Susan. The whole world seems even crazier than usual these days. To use our gifts to the glory of God and to hopefully benefit others is why we are here. Please keep writing, sister!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, Susan. What a lovely reminder to always use our God given talents to His glory. There truly is only ‘One worthy of renown. Blessings on your day and your writing as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Susan. I loved that show, too. think it influenced my career path as a Drama teacher, too! Having said that, though, it is so important to look to GOD, not our own fame, as you said. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI can hear the song in my head! If I've never told you before, when I was a young girl I dreamed of being a country singer. And yes, I wanted fame and adoration. Now I only want my voice to sing of God's fame and adoration!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful reminder to do everything for the glory and honour of God! Thank you, Susan.
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