The Perils of Prominence

The Perils of Prominence

Isaiah 42:8 (NASB)

8 “I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to graven images.”

    I remember a number of years ago reading a magazine on the airplane called Complex the following story: Pop star Justin Bieber told an interviewer, “I wouldn’t suggest being a child star. It’s the toughest thing in the world…. Look at the statistics on how many child stars have crumbled…. It might seem awesome from the outside, but I’m struggling." [1]

    Few can withstand the temptations that come with power, position, fame, wealth, or prominence. In an egotistical world, our sinful natures don’t behave well in the spotlight. But when God gives us a platform for serving Him, He can supply the maturity we need. Instead of our head being inflated with pride, our hearts should be inflated with humility and servanthood.

    The Old Testament patriarch Joseph is a good example. When he rose to prominence in Potiphar’s house, he didn’t lose his commitment to purity. And when he rose to fame in Egypt, he didn’t lose his commitment to maturity.

    Whatever our place in life, it belongs to Him who does not share His glory with another.

    Matthew Henry said, “Every tear of sorrow sown by the righteous springs up a pearl.”

[1] Jessie Morris, “Justin Bieber: I Wouldn’t Suggest Being a Child Star,” Complex, November 5, 2015,