Fame And Fortune

Colossians 3:1-3, 16-17

“Someday you’re going to walk through that place and see my helmet and number all over the place,” said Ryan as he and his Sunday school class left the Football Hall of Fame.

Jamie laughed aloud. “Fat chance,” he responded.

Ryan was not ready to dismiss the subject. “You just wait—you’ll see! I’m going to be just as well known as the guys whose stuff is displayed in there now. One day everybody will recognize me when I walk down the street, and I’m going to make a whole bunch of money, too. You’ll be glad to know me then!”

“Sounds impressive,” said Mr. Rakow, their teacher. “But don’t forget that for a Christian, the important thing is to be willing to do whatever God wants you to do. God will take care of the details—such as whether you’re famous or not and whether you make lots of money or only a little. Those things alone can’t make you happy.”

“Yeah,” agreed Jamie. “I think I’m going to be a missionary.” He looked at Ryan. “You’d better just forget those silly ideas you have,” he added smugly.

“Whoa! Wait a minute!” exclaimed Mr. Rakow. “If the Lord wants you on the mission field, Jamie, that will be wonderful. But if the Lord wants Ryan to be a rich and famous football player who serves him in that job, that will be great too. What I’m saying is that whether you become a football player, an engineer, a missionary, a schoolteacher, or whatever, be sure to keep the goal of serving the Lord and bringing glory to him. A Hall of Fame display only has importance while you’re living here on earth, but your life with God is going to last forever. He’s the one to please.”

How about You?

If God wants you to be a football player or some other famous person, be a good one—with a witness for Christ rather than a desire for popularity. If God calls you to be a missionary, be the best missionary you can be. Ask God to help you honor him in whatever you do.

Memorize:

“Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31