Before God Exalts Someone: A Sober Warning

It is foolish and dangerous to seek fame and renown, even "Christian" fame and renown. Years ago, a neighbor heard others talking about me a bit, she saw me take off on trips, and heard others mention they had heard me on the radio or saw me on television. She was from another country and asked Lisa, "I don't know how to ask this, Lisa, but is Gary famous?" Lisa asked me how she should respond, and I said, "That's so easy. If someone has to ask, the answer, by definition, is no!" There are tiny pockets of fame all around in all sectors of society, but they mean nothing. And the bigger the pocket, the more brutal the humiliation to follow.  

A quick review of David's life should convince anyone that there is much humiliation in service. Not just seasons of humiliation, but lives of humiliation. And should any of us become truly famous, the reality is most of us would blow it somehow and humiliate ourselves. Almost everyone does, all of which leads to one conclusion: live for Christ, not for yourself. If you don't crucify your desire for renown, it will crucify you.