The internet age has only heightened our culture’s worship of celebrity. Is it okay to want to be famous? What if you intend to use fame or riches to tell people about Jesus?

There are evangelists, theologians, and leaders that serve God from a global platform, influencing thousands or millions of people. Most of us serve God in obscurity, influencing only our family and neighbors. If we consider the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) we will be judged only by our faithfulness with what we’ve been given.

Jesus' example was humility:

John 8:50  - Yet I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.

We’re commanded to be humble:

1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you…

We’re warned about desiring wealth:

1 Timothy 6:9 - But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Don’t make wealth or fame your measure of success. If you’re called to teach, love and disciple the people in your local church. If you’re called to make art, sing, or write songs, do it to bless the community around you. Being famous will not satisfy your need for love and attention. It doesn’t replace shame, it fuels it. God wants to love you and to give you real and healthy relationships.

What drives your desires? 

John 4:34 - Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.”

Jesus was driven by His relationship with the Father. Let God’s pleasure with you as His child satisfy you. Do His work with the resources He’s given to you.