Fame or Service?

Church Planting Series, Part twenty-seven

My nephew is really good at basketball. He’s in fifth grade and scores most of the points for his team. He’s a good sportsman, has lots of fun, and absolutely loves the game.

I suspect you know, however, what every parent, coach, and observer says to his parents:

“He’s really good. You should sign him up for an AAU team.”

“He’s got talent. He may be able to get a scholarship to a major university.”

“With his skill, he may make you rich one day by playing in the NBA.”

I understand that it’s good to think about goals, plans, and using your gifts. I understand that you need to look ahead. But I also see a great danger in always dwelling on the next step. If my nephew gets too far ahead of himself, he’ll become miserable. He’ll end up hating basketball.

The same issue exists among servants of the church. When using gifts, talents, imagination, and initiative to serve the local church, the devil whispers:

“Hey, you’re really good. This might make you famous.”

“You know, you shouldn’t waste your talent here. You should hit the conference circuit.”

“With abilities like yours, you should stop messing around in your insignificant ministry. You should cash in on your talent.”

The temptation to fame attempts to replace the dedication to service. And if the desire for notoriety takes control, the servant of the church will become miserable, empty, and ineffective. Glorifying God will be replaced by trying to make an impression. Serving people will be replaced by lusting after personal prominence. Transforming lives will be replaced by gaining approval.

It’s a dangerous trap.

The answer? A renewal of faith. Jesus didn’t count equality with God something to hang onto. He made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant (Philippians 2). And what happened? His humble, short-term ministry in a little corner of nowhere saved us.

Do you believe that your humble ministry in a little corner of nowhere will bring salvation to people in need? Do you believe that God has you there on purpose for His purpose? Do you believe that your gifts will not be wasted there, that the purpose of your energy and talent is for serving God’s precious people, not for getting your name on a marquee somewhere?

Do you believe in THIS step—-not just the NEXT step?

It’s wonderful when God lifts up servants to reach many people. It’s a blessing when we can reap the benefits of people’s great talents on a large scale. Renown can bring the result of widespread ministry impact. But let’s not miss the here. Let’s not miss the now. Let’s not allow a lust for fame to dilute the high calling of serving God's people in a local ministry that the world may never see…until that day!