Character or celebrity?

God spoke to Abraham: I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing (Genesis 12:2).

As God spoke these words, he announced a dual objective: “I want to make your name great,” and “You shall be a blessing.” God’s promise to make Abraham’s name great was not a promise of fame, but a guarantee he would shape great character in him.

God is not so interested in “notoriety” as he is in the development of the inner qualities of character. The biblical concept of “fame” focuses on the quality of the person’s trustworthiness, integrity and spiritual weight.

That’s important to remember, since today we live in a society which mocks its own habit for “making people famous for nothing more than merely being well known.” Fame today may be acquired through scandal as quickly as through accomplishment.

We are living in a time where greatness is oftentimes identified with “celebrity.” The quest for and “worship” of “celebrity” is present all around us. We have celebrity musicians and film stars, celebrity politicians, celebrity internet influencers and even celebrity religious leaders.

But Abraham’s name became great through learning a walk of worship and a pathway of persistent pursuit of God’s will. That’s kingdom character! It’s the path to which God calls his people to walk. Greatness in the kingdom of God is very different from greatness as the world around us determines. Jesus said, “Whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant (Matthew 20:26).”

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold (Proverbs 22:1).

May the greatness that we pursue be the kind God defines and works in us as we walk with him.

Pastor Louis J. Locke is founding pastor of Carson City Foursquare Church.