Fame?

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? " - Luke 9:24-25

Someone recently questioned the pursuit of high political office due to the lower salary package. They couldn't understand why someone who could be paid mega bucks would settle for less. One answer is reasonably clear; fame. Many people will give up almost everything in life to be famous.

Jesus gave us another principle to live by when He spoke the words "whoever would save his life will lose it". He offers a new and abundant life to those who are willing to step aside and allow Him to be the "Famous" One. Consider the lyrics of two songs. In the Broadway song "Fame" we hear, "Remember my name, FAME, I'm gonna live forever, I'm gonna learn to how to fly, FAME, I feel it coming together, People will see me and cry, FAME, I'm gonna make it to heaven, Light up the sky like a flame, FAME". In contrast, we hear the words of "The Famous One" by Chris Tomlin, "You are the Lord, The Famous One, Famous One, Great is your name in all the earth, The heavens declare You're glorious, glorious, Great is Your Name beyond the earth." The truth is this; it's all about HIM and when we live for the Lord's fame, we gain everything.

What profit is there in being famous my friend? In a generation or so, no one will ever remember you lived on the earth. But, when you live for Jesus, the glory of eternity is yours and your place in heaven is secure. The original question is a good one, why would anyone seek to gain world-wide fame at the cost of their own soul?