Who is it that our world celebrates most? The entertainer, the athlete, the artist. The ones who make a name for themselves. The ones who blaze a path. The ones who standout or amaze. Sometimes these things can be for very scandalous reasons — they may be villainous, outlandish, immoral, seekers of attention, ready to do anything to be famous, to be a figure that the world simply can’t ignore. This indicates values that do not really accord with God and His will. For both the celebrated and those who adore them.
Consider the words of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, “…that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.”
There are so many passages that show clearly a distinction between Christ’s disciples and the attitudes of the world. Consider these few:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3).
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:13-16).
“But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant’” (Matthew 20:25-26).
We could go on and on. This is not a condemnation of being successful, or having any degree of fame. It is a recognition that the priorities of too many reside in earthly accomplishments rather than heavenly ones.
The only thing that is important in the end is Christ! This truth is something we all should make the focus of our lives. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
