seeking fame

When we draw our identity and well being from God by virtue of who we are in Christ, the accolades of men no longer matter and allure us. To the degree we do or don't is the degree to which we are or are not allured.

It seems our greatest challenge isn't the role we find ourselves in but knowing our heart and the reason we might seek that role i.e. what do we seek to accomplish in whatever role we find ourselves in, whether that be a high or low profile role. Are we seeking the ¹glory of self or the glory of God? If it is the glory of God we should be content with whatever role God assigns us while at the same time seeking to expand our influence through increased efforts (greater faithfulness) for his glory.

¹Ultimately only what is done for God lasts and has eternal implications. As the bible says it, "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, not treasures on earth i.e. value and pursue that which has eternal value not temporary value. 

God gives some a high profile role in the church but if it's ²legitimate it occurs only when they are not seeking it as an end itself. 

Recognition for our efforts appears to occur for many long after they are gone. Jonathan Edwards and CS Lewis come to mind, as well as Paul. Though they were recognized during their lifetime within a limited circle, their ultimate influence and true worth wasn't recognized until after they had passed away. They are far more influential, appreciated and highly regarded today than they were during their lifetime. Possibly because even great men such as these couldn't handle great accolades well? Maybe the true test of our value in honoring God is how much impact we have for him over time, after we are no longer here.

Knowing our heart

Few of us know our own hearts well enough to discern the difference between acting for God's honor or our own. But that doesn't mean none do. Some genuinely appear to come to a place where the praise of men does not pull them off center (i.e. off of their focus on Christ and awareness he is the ground for their identity; the basis of their true worth). It seems it is those very ones, who are least interested in a high profile place in the church, receive the greatest accolades (though it matters to them the least)...possibly because God knows it won't pull them from their focus and faithfullness in advancing His glory.

But even the apostle Paul struggled with getting "pulled of center." His thorn in the flesh was intended to humble him due to the greatness of the revelations he had received. But when all was said and done he also came to the place he was content with his hardships. He even came to the place where he gladly boasted in his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ would rest upon him (II Corinthians 12:7-10) i.e. his sense of significance/value/love came through/from Christ, not men or comfortable/pleasant circumstances.

Having a larger audience

If we have something worthwhile to offer to an audience larger then we do presently and our hearts are truly rooted in him, God may give us a greater influence but only as he sees fit. If he gives us that audience that is his choice, not ours. And if He does, to whom much is given much is required.

Though we are not to pursue this as a singular and isolated goal, neither are we to despise it if and when it occurs, understanding it is a resource to steward faithfully.

If we desire a larger audience so others might know and experience more of God (not more of us) this is a valid desire; it is about honoring God and not self. It is actually our calling i.e. to bear much fruit (quantitatively as well as qualitatively). Nevertheless we are not to pursue a larger audience in itself; not as a primary goal anyway. We are to pursue God and in (by) that pursuit a bigger audience will come (God will bring them) if it is God's intent.

 A recap

It appears possible that one can be grounded well enough in Christ that they can legitimately seek a higher profile in order to bring greater honor to God i.e. some may legitimately seek a larger platform to reach a larger audience and have a larger impact for God. I think this is rare and only occurs with those who have had humility burned deeply into their souls (or their bodies e.g. Jacob's hip and Paul's thorn) through much struggle and awareness of their brokenness.

God tells us to humble ourselves and he will exalt us. It seems the greater our humility the greater our exaltation (I say "seems" because our individual gifting also appears to play a significant role).

We often think only in terms of the humility side, which indeed is our part and should be our focus. But it also says he will exalt us when we do our part i.e. humble ourselves. Exaltation isn't our focus but neither should we despise it if it occurs or dismiss it as irrelevant or insignificant. It can be a means and platform to advance God's kingdom more widely and effectively. What is sure is it's certainly not wrong that we desire to further God's honor. If we are given a greater platform to do so, we should take advantage of it as an opportunity to honor God, always mindful of our subtle and strong bent toward grandiosity (a word I became more familiar with [though not an unfamiliar disposition] with the help of Jamine Goggin and Kyle Strobel, coauthors of "The Way of the Dragon or The Way of The Lamb").

_________________________________

²Many, maybe most, obtain a high profile role illegitimately, though certainly not all.