That Fame Monstrosity (An Open Letter to Believers/New Leaders Who Love Eschatology)

If Lady Gaga calls the pursuit of fame a monster, even satirically titling an album thus, why don’t we Christians recognize this truth? Why are we often striving to be well known among other believers?

Those of us who are armchair students of eschatology often decide we want degrees in the field. Fine. Many of us-with or without seminary degrees-establish social media presences where we publish our teachings, podcasts, images, our Biblical spin on current events, etc. And then we all argue amongst one another about the fascinating minutia of this or that aspect of prophecy.

This is all glorious. Long may we study and argue, publish videos and material for the purpose of evangelism, for that is our calling, we love the Word of God, and we truly need each other as iron truly sharpens iron.

But. There is a world of difference between letting our light shine before humanity to proclaim the good news of the Gospel and the coming kingdom and seeking to become a household name amongst our brethren because we wanna see our name in lights, darling.

We don’t need to be famous. We all (author of this blog 1st) love our eschatological Biblical opinions. We may spend decades studying prophecy. This, however, doesn’t automatically mean we need to strive to be respected or well known in the field.

So many of our brothers and sisters are dying faithfully under persecution. More will follow. Why are we ignoring them? Why aren’t they our standard? Why aren’t we finding out who they are and making THEM famous?

What about the secret work that needs doing in times of persecution? What about the work that must be done in perilous times? We all need to ask ourselves if having our name out there pursuing celebrity in Christian circles will really help do the job we need to do. How many of us who study eschatology and who maybe get some of the major things right will be required to swiftly and secretly risk everything?

Christianity isn’t a smart career choice for clergymen and teachers of Scripture. It is a call to come and die and be left to rot in anonymity. Our blessed hope is in the Kingdom to Come, our mission is to waste ourselves fearlessly in the service of our King in this life.

For a Believer to inherit fame among other Believers is one thing. It means God has raised that teacher up. To desire and strive for fame, however, is a sin, but more than being sinful, it is myopic. Especially for the student of eschatology. Let God raise up who He will, and let the rest of us work happily in anonymity. There is great power in anonymity for Jesus. Being well known may enormously hinder our work in dark times. Think about the times that are ahead and all that is to be done. Pray about them. Pray that all of us receive the power to do the dirty work, the ugly work, the shameful work, the work of martyrs, come what may.

Do you study prophecy? Are you really ready to come and die? If so, we need you kinda the way we need oxygen. Send us a message at: JacobsRefuge.com.

Maranatha, and May Your Taco Tuesday Be Blessed,

Tarynosaurus