.png)
What it Costs to Exchange Your Anointing for Fame
Exchanging your anointing for fame: Is it worth the price?
"If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing" —John 8:54.
In a world driven by the pursuit of fame and recognition, we often find ourselves questioning the true cost of achieving such a coveted status. As Christians, we are called to walk a different path, one that aligns with our faith and values. But is fame worth the price of our anointing? Let's delve into this thought-provoking question and explore its implications.
Sign up to receive our blogs directly to your inbox
The Allure of Fame
Fame. It's a word that carries with it a sense of glamour and allure. The world offers fame as a reward for achieving greatness in various fields - be it entertainment, sports, business, or even social media. The promise of being known, admired, and idolized by many can be tempting, especially in a society where visibility often equates to success.
The Price We Pay
The price of fame may require us to sacrifice our principles, compromise our beliefs, and prioritize personal gain over obedience to God. In our quest for recognition, we may lose sight of our true calling and the diminish the anointing that has been bestowed upon us.
Have you notice there’s no record of John the Baptist performing any miracles, yet at that time Jesus said that there was no one greater than John (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28). What does this tell us? God values our dedication, devotion, loyalty, and obedience more than extraordinary abilities such as miracles and wonders. John exemplified a life of surrender and was committed to his calling of ushering in the presence of God into his generation.
While self-elevation may impress others, what truly matters to God is complete surrender to Him.
According to John 3:14 in the NIV, it is written: "In the same way that Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life." The only way to be effective is when God is glorified and not us.
Effectiveness on earth does not automatically equal effectiveness in heaven. Matthew 16:26 reminds us that it's possible to achieve fame, wealth, and success, yet still not be aligned with God's will or worse risk losing your soul.
Trap of self-promotion
It is not uncommon for individuals who has been called to lead people into the Kingdom of Heaven fall into the trap of prioritize self-promotion. As they bask in admiration, they may mistakenly equate their popularity with righteousness. However, they risk falling into the same trap as the hypocrites mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 6:2. They believe they have a reward waiting for them, but they fail to realize they have already received their award.
May God be the sole superstar
It is God's desire for our light to shine so that others may see and glorify God, not ourselves (Matthew 5:16; John 8:50). Our mission is to make known the name of God, not our own (Exodus 9:16).
As those who are designated as "fishers of men" or God's disciples, we must remember that we are not superior to our teacher. Just as a disciple is not above his master (Matthew 4:19; Luke 6:40). Therefore, we should never put ourselves in a position where we are outshining God and avoid situations where we overshadow him. Your calling will be most effective, impactful, and fruitful when it leads others to Christ.
The right results include people glorifying God, depending on God, and God being their sole “superstar.” Unfortunately, some of us have placed ourselves in the position of idols.
Instead of people worshiping God, people are now worshipping his messengers. This is akin to the kings mentioned in the Bible who led his people to idolatry (1Kings 16:2). Living in this manner as God's representative is condemned, as Matthew 16:27 KJV states, “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Our power cannot save anyone or grant them eternal life; salvation comes only through belief in Jesus Christ.
When we take that away from people, we inadvertently play into the enemy's schemes, hindering the work of God in reaching and saving souls. Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord [not our name] will be saved.” The verse in Romans 10:13 serves as a powerful reminder that salvation comes solely through calling upon the name of Jesus Christ. By understanding this fundamental truth, we can avoid the pitfalls of self-righteousness and pride, and instead, focus on being vessels through which God's saving grace can flow to many.
When we fail to recognize the importance of allowing people to freely seek God and call upon His name for salvation, we inadvertently play into the enemy's schemes, hindering the work of God in reaching and saving souls. The verse in Romans 10:13 serves as a powerful reminder that salvation comes solely through calling upon the name of the Lord.
Let us not allow ourselves to be barriers to God's redemptive work, but rather, let us strive to lead others to the life-changing power of calling upon the name of Jesus for salvation.
God cannot be deceived, do not be misled
While we may deceive people, we cannot deceive God (Proverbs 10:9, 12:22; Galatians 5:16-26; John8:44). “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8 ESV).
If you follow God's plan, people will seek you out.
Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit to the fullest extent because of His complete submission to God the Father. Also, He made sure that when He spoke it was what God the Father wanted to be said (John 14:10, 24, 31). This made Jesus exceptionally influential, attracting large crowds who traveled great distances to listen to him. People sought Jesus because of His reputation and extraordinary abilities (John 6; 12:9-11; 17:19).
By surrendering to God, you will not have to seek attention for yourself as the anointing upon you will attract others to the Holy Spirit's power residing within you. Miracles occur when people are drawn to God. However, it is crucial that God is the one who brings people to us for His purpose and glory, not for our own satisfaction (John 6:44).
Jesus said when He is lifted up, He will draw everyone to Himself (John 12:32). We are God's conduits for bringing people to Jesus and not to ourselves. As believers, we serve as His vessel for leading people to Him. We are not the focal point; rather, we are mere vessels through which the transformative power of Christ is made known to the world.
He alone possesses all power and authority, which He entrusts to us. We are empowered by His Spirit to carry out His work on earth, spreading His message of hope and redemption to all nations. Apart from God, we are incapable of achieving much. Without God's guidance and strength, our efforts would be in vain (John 15:1-8; 12: 49-50). Therefore, we must remain rooted in Him, to bear fruit that glorifies God and testifies to His unfailing love for all mankind.
The gifts given to us by God are intended to demonstrate and confirm our message, not to show off, boast, or feel superior.
The key is humility.
Jesus, despite being God, demonstrated humility and showed no desire for fame, praise, or elevation from people (John 6:15, 7:4-6). He did not seek power or status (John 8:50). Most importantly, He consistently acknowledged God the Father, obeyed God's timing, and awaited the moment when He would be glorified and crowned king (John 7:4-6, 17:1; 12:16, 23, 28; 13:31).
"Jesus replied, 'My teaching is not my own, but it comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.'"
—John 7:16-18.
He further stated, "If I were to boast about myself, my boasting would be empty. It is my Father, the one you claim as your God, who glorifies me."
—John 8:54.
Jesus didn’t do miracles to show off. He did them to help unbelievers believe in Him and to strengthen the believers unwavering faith, among other reasons (John 9:1-3; 10:25, 32, 38, 41-42; 11:4, 14, 23-28, 37-38, 40-41; John 12:37-41). Additionally, His actions were motivated by love, compassion, and the desire to bring glory to God (Matthew 8:3; 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Luke 7:13).
Our motives should reflect Jesus actions. May all our deeds be driven by love for others and aimed at revealing and glorifying God (John17:6).
Even the glory that is evident on us comes from God (John 17:22). So, we should not seek credit for what God has done. There is a price to pay for wanting fame over God’s will and using the gifts of God for your own gain. It comes at a cost. Therefore, let us emulate the example set by Jesus Christ.
How does it benefit us to be popular in the world yet lose our soul? (Matthew 16:26). Some individuals, even in death, remain famous but is suffering in hell. Then there are people who are alive and popular, yet destined for hell. Is the craving, ambition, and deceit for fame truly worthwhile? I urge you not to discover the answer the regrettable way.
It is possible to be great in the sight of the Lord and not great in the sight of man. It is also possible to be great in the sight of man and not great in the sight of God. Which would you choose?...We so often gravitate towards the things that will make us look great to the people around us, and while being great in the sight of man is not wrong in itself, it becomes a problem when we let it define our identity and sense of worth. Our priority in life should be greatest in the sight of the Lord. An excerpt from Life on fire by James Aladiran
Despite being popular, Jesus chose to operate discreetly and avoid public attention until the appointed time (John 7:4-6). He understood God works in seasons and His time to be made known as King was appointed.
"I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do."
—John 17:4.
May people only hear and see God
Just as Jesus, our words, life, character, and purpose should reflect God when people see and hear us (John 14:9; 17:8). Those who observe us ought to see Jesus, and those who listen to us should hear only the messages given by God (John 14:9; 17:8).
Some of us are called to serve God, not to be God. God is the true Shepherd of His people and the only one who was willing, able, and worthy to sacrifice His life for us (John 10:11-18). Therefore, there should be one flock, the family of Christ, and one Shepherd, Jesus Christ (John 10:16).
Sign up to receive our blogs directly to your inbox
If you've found this blog valuable, please remember to share it on social media below. Sharing is a free way to share the Gospel and to let everyone know if you want to be effective in the Kingdom of God you must decrease while God increase.
Subscribe to watch videos like this "How to Find Your Life's Purpose"
A call for salvation
When you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, His spirit will come to live inside you. This is one of the greatest blessings of salvation. You don't have to go through someone else to get to God, and He will live in your heart where you and Him become one and have a relationship.
All you have to do is make the choice of salvation by repenting of your sins and accepting Jesus into your life by confessing that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that He came from Heaven to die for your sins (Romans 10:9).
Here's a prayer you can repeat:
"Jesus, I confess that you are Lord, and I believe you died and was risen for my sins. I repent and ask for forgiveness of my sins, and I accept you as my personal Lord and Savior. Come into my heart and remove my sins. Thank you for forgiving me and making me into a new person in Jesus' name, Amen."
Once you have done this, please pray and ask God to guide you to a ministry where you can grow and start living the abundant life Jesus promised and died for.
Comments