Cafeteria Christianity: Prosperity — Friday
Habakkuk 3:2
Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. (NIV)
I always get sad when a child star grows up. Mainly because I know they’re probably going to do something crazy to try to break out of their stereotyped roles and get cast in more grown-up ones. Think Brittney Spears and Miley Cyrus. What’s even more sad is what many of these children have to go through in their pursuit of being famous. They’re taught to be cut-throat. They’re sexualized despite their young age. They’re abused in different ways. And they’re forced to sign non-disclosure agreements so that directors and film crews can’t be held responsible for their actions. Their childhoods are being stolen from them, and for what? Fame!
The Bible has some people who were described as being famous, including Joshua, David, Solomon, and Ethan the Ezrahite. Scripture even describes Jerusalem’s fame by saying, “But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute” (Ezekiel 16:15). Certainly some strong words, but I think it’s worth asking ourselves… Do we do that? Do we prostitute ourselves to become famous? Not literally, but how much do we want everyone to see our glory? If we’re being completely honest with ourselves, we all have moments when we desire the worship of other people.
In today’s verse, we see the author praising the deeds of the Lord and declaring His fame. And that is the way it should be. In the words of John the Baptist, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). That is the life we are called to, and Jesus Himself gave us the perfect example. Philippians 2:8 tell us, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death.” Jesus showed us that the cure for our insatiable desire for fame comes in the pursuit of humility.
We should always seek to spread Jesus’ fame far and wide, while ours fades away. Because no matter what the world may try to tell us, it’s only in making His name known that we’ll find the true fulfillment we’ve been longing for.
Friday’s Reflection
We saw this week that striving for prosperity can occur in many different areas—money, health, success, and even fame. But when we chase after those things, we’re really just seeking control, a sense of value, or worship of ourselves. Instead, we need to learn to trust God; give Him all the glory, honor, and praise; and know that in Christ, we are enough. Are you struggling to believe this? Ask Him to help you.