I was born and raised in sunny Southern California, a place called Palm Springs. Many days on the way to elementary school, our car would pass by a hill where the entertainment star Bob Hope had a house. I remember being so impressed with its mushroom-shaped appearance and the descriptions my classmates gave me of its size, swimming pool, tennis court, and other finery. I was fascinated by his fame and fortune and would dream about becoming rich and famous.
But I’m not the only one who dreams that way: many if not most athletes, actors, artists, business persons, scholars, and people from all walks of life live for fame and fortune/their own honor and enjoyment. And if you’ll be honest, the desire for fame/honor resides in you too. But self-promotion is antithetical to the teaching of Christ. Romans 11:36 says that everything is from and through and to God. Ephesians 1:12 says that we are intended to “be to the praise of God’s glory.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 says that whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Life isn’t about us—it is about God. Revelation 4:11 says that God is worthy of receiving all glory and honor and power.
It is far better and more satisfying to live for the fame or glory of God than to live for your own fame and fortune or honor and enjoyment. But does anyone really live that way? Is that kind of life even possible in this world? Well, it is if you plan for it or make it your goal.
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