“…many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.”

John 2:23-25

For Meditation

 Fame is a cancerous commodity that people buy at costly prices only to end their lives over it. It is an ancient commodity Satan sold it to Adam and caused his fall in Eden (Gen. 3:4-5). The sneaky guy that he is, Satan continues to sell it to the descendants of Adam to this day.

The world demands it. People seek it with insatiable desire. Who gets to the top? Who gets the most recognition and receives the loudest applause? The quest for fame has become so ridiculously cultic that even Christians are bowing in the worship of it.

Satan tried selling it to Jesus but failed (Lk. 4:5-8). Our Redeemer’s response to the tempter instructs us to reject fame and to worship God alone. However, we have not learned. Consequently, it continues to increase its casualties among Christians. Why is that?

It is all about the applause! It blends the following on social media, the recognition, the fanfare, as well as the awards on world-wide platforms, the congratulations, the image, and the stardom, to create idols out of its customers. It is exhilarating and addictive, and people find their worth in it. Unfortunately, they have no lasting value. They fade away very quickly and leave their victims dried up, bitter, and wasted. Sadly, the same crowd that applauded the most turns on their ‘idols’ mercilessly.

That is why Jesus did not buy into this fame craze in His time. Jesus knew who He was, so He did not need fame to define Him. He knew the heart of humans, so He did not entrust Himself to the people who applauded His miracles and healings (Jn. 2:23-25). O, that we will learn from our Savior!

Allow Him to use you to serve people, but do not give yourself to their affirmations and applause. Let heaven applaud you and give glory to the Father through Jesus.