Friday, July 20, 2012

Glory of man vs Glory of God

Oh what wouldn't people do to be famous. Many people desire to be famous. Although people desire to be rich and famous most people rather just desire to be famous, why? Primarily I believe the desire to be famous is founded on one fundamental truth. People want to be accepted. Fame gives off a perception of acceptance and popularity. Not only does this mean that people like you but they enjoy being around you. Popularity is such a gravitating social force. Popularity starts to be a factor in Middle school but is a bigger factor in High school. Athletes and those who have a good sense of humor tend to be the most popular students. Popular individuals are admired. This has large implications for people's self esteem and their identity. At the most elementary level everybody just wants to be accepted, acknowledged, heard and understood. Societal norms that dictate whether we are popular can infiltrate our psyche and influence our decisions. In addition we internalize images from the media that cause us to act a certain way. The media sensationalizes fame, it deceives people into thinking that fame leads to fulfillment and happiness. Fame gives off the illusion that you are accepted but ultimately leaves you feeling alone. First it may give you feelings of euphoria but long term it makes you feel empty. Take it from me I always wanted to be popular and when I did it wasn't all it was cracked up to be. At first I felt happy accepted and admired. Those temporary feelings wore off within a couple of years and I became empty. Moreso I became dependent on other's acceptance and if people didnt give me complements my self esteem would drop. This is very precarious and can lead to a state of depression. This is why some celebrities end up committing suicide. They have developed an identity that is false and is dependent upon others' praise. Your identity is a virtual reality and is very unstable when your self worth is dependent upon your fan base! Society loves to worship those who are famous, usually not because of who they are but because they are famous. There is a fundamental flaw in fame. It gives the illusion that you are accepted but it is a superficial form of approval. Egos usually flare up when somebody is famous. Fame is alluring, desirable and seductive. Although it is highly desirable and seems fulfilling it actually leaves you empty. This is the glory of man. All things we are supposed to do for the glory of God and not for the glory of man. Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Our desire is to make Him famous not ourselves. We must give glory to God in everything we do! This will only lead to more destruction and flesh. After man has perished there is no fruit remaining except somebody's accomplishments. When you live for God you work is eternal because we have everlasting life. 1 Peter1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The Lord Jesus wants the glory for everything I do. Praise God for his faithfulness! Man will fade away but God and His Word endureth forever! Let us not focus on fame or glory that brings attention to ourselves and gives us a false sense of acceptance, identity and love but let us put the attention on God and give glory to him! He is the one who we bring glory to and point people towards! Praise God and may His name be exalted and known to all the nations! Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: It shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues.