Fame

"We live in an age where self- promotion, competition, wealth, and fame are considered good. For some, these things constitute the very goal of life." (Archimandrite Vassilios Papavassiliou)

“In the modern world, a man is thought to be successful in terms of his objective accomplishments. If he has acquired wealth, fame, power, or privilege, he is considered accomplished and worthy of emulation…But in the Gospel of Christ, we are reminded that God’s judgments are quite different, and that the success or failure of each of us, as we stand before the dreaded judgment seat, will not be determined by the size of our bank account or the extent of our fame. Rather we shall be judged by the standard of whether in life we reached “to the very height of Christ’s full stature.” (Eph. 4:13). This sobering revelation should inspire us to be concerned about the kind of people we are; after all, we shall not be judged by the standard of the worst among us, but rather of the best. And if we call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ, we have an added incentive to live as we should. Jesus exemplified through every moment of his life the way each of us should act—with great kindness, gentleness, and thoughtfulness.” (Rev. Andrew Demostes) 

“As Christians, we are given the gift of being able to live this life truly free. We know that Christ our God has defeated death on our behalf, and that regardless of what we might suffer in this world, a reward awaits us in the next. We know that all of the temporary pleasures of this life, as well as all of its pains, are nothing compared to the joy that awaits us in Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us not be fooled into thinking that the value of our life is measured by wealth, success, or fame in this world such that we are pulled off of our course. Nor let us be fooled into thinking that our time in this world is anything but short, such that we might fail to repent. Rather, let us live quiet and peaceful lives in all godliness and sanctity, awaiting with love the day of the glorious appearing of our Lord.” (Father Stephen De Young)

“Even in art and science…brilliant or mediocre, is an extension of the self, work of the very highest order, true creation, means self-loss. We do not perceive this truth, because fame confuses, and covers with its glory achievements of the highest order, often giving the advantage to the latter. Love for our neighbors, being made of creative attention, is analogous to genius.” (Simone Weil)

“However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed (Luke 5:15-16). There is doubtless a link between the fame Jesus was gaining (v. 15) and His need to maintain close secret communion with the Father.” (King James Study Bible)

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