There’s an old song that says fame and fortune is just a passing thing. The song’s writer conveys the message that riches and being well recognized are not nearly as important as family, relationships and love because these are things that are eternal. Most people, whether they’re believers or not, would likely agree with that sentiment. So then, why do people, even believers, still seek fame and fortune?
It seems pretty obvious that our physiological makeup, our emotional design and the way our mental faculties work aren’t conducive to carrying the weight of fame. One only has to observe what usually happens to those who are rich and famous to come to that conclusion. But here’s what Yeshua had to say on the subject:
“Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:24-25)
While He didn’t say that it was impossible for a rich man to enter the Kingdom, He did make it very clear that it’s going to be very difficult. Why is that? Perhaps it is because riches afford us the things that our flesh and carnality long for. Likewise, fame does the same thing. It seduces those who have it into thinking that laws and rules that apply to everybody else don’t apply to them. Again, it underscores the notion that our design is not conducive to righteously bearing fame and fortune.
To the contrary, we are designed in such a way that we benefit when we abase ourselves and elevate the Creator. We were created to worship Him and Him, alone. No doubt that is why one of the richest, most famous and wisest of men in the ancient world had this to say:
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:13-15)
Solomon also said this:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you.” (Proverbs 9:10-11)
Think of all the rich and famous people who have come to an untimely demise and many times in a very unflattering, infamous way. Again, we are not designed for the fame or fortune that allows for our fleshly desires to be satiated. We’re designed for one thing and that is to serve our Creator. If that means He elevates us to prominence and prosperity, so be it. But if that means no one knows our name and we live paycheck to paycheck but are doing His will, so be it.
Fame and fortune is just a passing thing. To have a relationship with the Creator and to be content with the blessings He has given us – our spouse, children and other relationships – is eternal. Let us then strive to attain those things that He deems as noble, praiseworthy and life-giving.
Shalom.
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