Fame Doesn’t Last Forever

There are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

Philippians 3:18-19

THESE DAYS A LOT OF people are famous for being famous. In reality TV shows and YouTube videos, people will behave outrageously for a chance at fifteen minutes of fame.

The desire to be seen as special is nothing new. In Acts 8:4-23, Philip travels to Samaria and leads a group of people to the Lord, including a sorcerer named Simon. Soon, Peter and John arrive and pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. When Simon sees the Spirit’s power, he offers Peter and John money to give him the ability to touch people and have them receive the Spirit. Peter’s response lets Simon know that’s not going to happen.

Simon was used to being famous. He had amazed people for a long time with his abilities. If we’re honest, we can easily get caught up in an earthly mind-set of desiring fame. The Bible warns in Philippians 3:18-19 that there are “many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. . . . Their god is their appetite . . . and they only think about this life here on earth.”

Instead of focusing on making our mark on earth, our hearts should be set on heavenly success. As C. S. Lewis says in Mere Christianity: “Aim at Heaven and you will get earth ‘thrown in’: aim at earth and you will get neither.” When we seek God, He rewards us with blessings that last forever, not just for fifteen minutes.

BOTTOM LINE

Our minds should be focused on God—not earthly fame or wealth. Heaven is eternal; all other pursuits are temporary.

Moment of Strength: 1 Peter 1:24-25