The Famous One

I used to want to be famous. I realize that fame comes at a huge cost to a person’s personal life. There are many who want to be famous and they’re pushing hard so that they can sell their songs or their product to others. There are others who are famous, but for negative reasons.  Some become famous at the expense of others, while others are born into fame and fortune. I’ve learned that contentment is really a gift. I don’t need to be known by everyone, but I’d like to be known by a few. I want the Lord to keep my pride and my ego in check when I become known to someone new or if someone says nice things about me.

I’m reading about the rise of Solomon’s fame and his fortune. The offered to give him whatever he wanted, and he asked for wisdom. The gave Solomon great wisdom AND great wealth. Because he was so wise and wealthy, he became quite famous. Check this out….

¹When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame, which brought honor to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. ² She arrived in Jerusalem with a large group of attendants and a great caravan of camels loaded with spices, large quantities of gold, and precious jewels. When she met with Solomon, she talked with him about everything she had on her mind. ³ Solomon had answers for all her questions; nothing was too hard for the king to explain to her. ⁴ When the queen of Sheba realized how very wise Solomon was, and when she saw the palace he had built, ⁵ she was overwhelmed. She was also amazed at the food on his tables, the organization of his officials and their splendid clothing, the cup-bearers, and the burnt offerings Solomon made at the Temple of the Lord.

⁶ She exclaimed to the king, “Everything I heard in my country about your achievements and wisdom is true! ⁷ I didn’t believe what was said until I arrived here and saw it with my own eyes. In fact, I had not heard the half of it! Your wisdom and prosperity are far beyond what I was told. ⁸ How happy your people must be! What a privilege for your officials to stand here day after day, listening to your wisdom! ⁹ Praise the Lord your God, who delights in you and has placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king so you can rule with justice and righteousness.” (1 Kings 10:1-9 NLT)

When some people become famous, they forget where they came from. They also forget who helped them grow. I love stories where famous people return to their elementary school to honor a teacher or coach who helped them along through life.

I’m thankful for my life in Georgia in relative obscurity. I’d rather be known for knowing the Lord than for being an excellent husband, Dad or REALTOR.  Don’t misunderstand, I want to be the best I can be in every area of life, but not for my fame or notoriety, but for the Lord’s fame and notoriety. I keep reminding myself that without Him, I’m nothing. Without Him, all I have is worthless.

Pressing On!

Dwayne