Throughout our time in Sierra Leone children swarmed us everywhere we went, especially Daniel and Jesse, the youngest two on the trip. Their energy and enthusiasm with the children was highly contagious. They became almost like celebrities in every village.
At one point Jessie admitted she felt guilty for attracting such a crowd. She didn’t want people to think she was seeking personal attention or fame. Daniel agreed with the sentiment.
That’s when the thought occurred to me. Popularity, wealth and power are not all bad. Being “famous” is not necessarily something to be avoided. It may depend on how and for what purpose it is being used.
What occurred to me is that Daniel and Jessie were attracting crowds of children, entertaining them with games and songs, and then leaving them to go to the next village. What they left behind, however, was their influence. Those children in remote villages in West Africa will never forget the love and attention they were shown by these two young adults. They will be running through the streets of their village singing “Jesus Loves Me” because of the experience they had with Daniel and Jessie. They will do push ups, because Daniel taught them how and they will recite cheers Jessie recited and they will laugh and dance…all because two people used their influence in positive ways.
Don’t shy away from the influence God has given you. If it is being used for His glory, rather than for your own, it can be very positive. If your motive and heart is pure, and the glory is pointed towards God, be thankful for the opportunities he gives you.
How are you allowing God to use the influence He has given you?
I think it's unfortunate that the Christian church is so divided on topics of wealth, popularity, and fame. You hinted at embracing those things with a pure heart in such a way that gives God glory (I totally agree). However, I think that there are only a select few that can truly manage high levels of wealth or popularity without becoming completely full of ourselves. I'd like to think that God puts a lot of thought into who he chooses to bless with immense resources.
I totally agree with you Steve. I'm reminded of Ecclesiastes 5:19 "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work–this is a gift of God." We are to use whatever we have been given to God's glory. I've never been given wealth or fame, but I have been given influence. I hope to use it in a way that honors God. Not to use it at all would be a waste of His gift…..or so it would seem. Thanks!