When you were younger did you ever want to be famous? Perhaps you wanted to be a professional athlete, musician or actor? I know I did! I wanted to be well known for my (self perceived, self proclaimed) talent. I wanted people to recognize and revere me. Now a days, my boys either want to be a Cubs pitcher, a Denver Bronco wide receiver or if that doesn’t work out, a YouTube gamer.
I recently was reflecting on the lyrics to the Chris Tomlin song, Famous One.
You are the Lord
The famous One, famous One
Great is Your Name in all the earth
The heavens declare You’re glorious, glorious
Great is Your fame beyond the earth
And for all You’ve done and yet to do
With every breath I’m praising You
Desire of nations and every heart
You alone are God, You alone are God
The morning star is shining through
And every eye is watching You
Revealed by nature and miracles
You are beautiful, You are beautiful
Once I got a bit older and grew in my relationship with God, I knew that my desires to be famous were for self-glorification. I remember hearing this song and thinking, “Ah, GOD is the famous one. GOD is the only one who deserves to be glorified.”
While my current dreams are no longer to be well known, I certainly still struggle with wanting affirmation. Do you struggle with this? Being recognized and praised feels great! I think it is only natural to want this type of recognition.
When we praise God we intentionally turn our eyes away from ourselves and put them on the Famous One. Worship reminds us of our place. Instead of striving for self-glorification, may be strive to make God known. God is the famous one!